LVHN named nursing ‘Magnet’ hospital for fifth time

Lehigh Valley Health Network has received worldwide recognition for nursing care once again.

American Nurses Credentialing Center notified LVHN that the health network’s Lehigh Valley-based hospitals and services achieved Magnet designation for the fifth consecutive time. ANCC Magnet Recognition Program distinguishes health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing services. Magnet recognition is the highest national credential for nursing excellence.

Nurses from Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, LVH–Muhlenberg, LVH–17th Street and LVHN–Tilghman who work in patient care services, perioperative services, home care, hospice, cancer services, cardiac catheterization labs and interventional radiology had the chance to meet with Magnet appraisers during a virtual site visit in July.

“I’m extremely proud of our commitment to providing excellent patient care, improving care delivery, focusing on education and research, partnering with our medical staff and communities and continuing to support opportunities for nurse empowerment and innovation,” said Kim Jordan, chief nursing officer at LVHN.

LVHN’s Lehigh Valley-based hospitals and health care professionals earned Magnet recognition for the first time in 2002.

More than 500 health organizations are currently recognized by the Magnet program, but only 23 –including LVHN hospitals — have earned this distinction five times, the network noted in a release.

“A team of four appraisers validated that the Magnet model components (transformational leadership; structural empowerment; exemplary professional practice; new knowledge, innovation and improvement) were in action at LVH,” said Lori Grischott, LVHN’s magnet program director. “They ensured that performance and quality were sustained and improved over the four-year period since the hospital received its last recognition.”

Lehigh Valley Health Network includes eight hospital campuses, three in Allentown, one in Bethlehem, one in East Stroudsburg, one in Hazleton and two in Pottsville.