Children's of Mississippi achieves Magnet recognition, earns seven exemplars

Applause and cheers erupted as Children's of Mississippi leaders, nurses and team members gathered for a virtual call with the Magnet Recognition Program Commission and learned the children's hospital had achieved Magnet recognition.

The designation is the highest national recognition for nursing excellence awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. In addition, Children's received seven exemplars, a distinction recognizing areas where performance and outcomes exceed Magnet standards and serve as examples of excellence for other health care organizations.

"This recognition reflects the extraordinary commitment of our nurses and care teams to providing exceptional care for Mississippi's children and families every day," said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair and CEO of Children's of Mississippi. "Achieving Magnet recognition and receiving seven exemplars is a tremendous honor that reflects the dedication, expertise and compassion of our nurses and interdisciplinary teams. We are proud to be recognized among the nation's leading health care organizations and grateful to every team member whose commitment to excellence made this achievement possible."

The designation follows a multi-year effort involving nurses and interdisciplinary team members across the children's hospital who demonstrated excellence in patient care, nursing practice, leadership, innovation and outcomes.

Magnet recognition is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence and is awarded to health care organizations that demonstrate superior patient outcomes, nursing engagement and a culture of continuous improvement.

The Magnet appraisal process included a comprehensive review of nursing practices, quality outcomes and organizational culture, followed by a site visit in April during which appraisers met with nurses, physicians, leaders, patients and families.

Kristin Hardy, director of Children's quality, magnet and transition to practice, said appraisers repeatedly commented on the culture of excellence they observed throughout the children's hospital, noting that the survey felt more like a redesignation review than an initial designation review.

"My first thought was gratitude," Hardy said of hearing the Commission's decision. "I thought about all the people who contributed to this moment. I wasn't thinking about the designation itself as much as I was thinking about the thousands of moments that led to it and the gratitude I had that so much of our team was able to hear the news and celebrate together."

Hardy said receiving Magnet recognition and seven exemplars reflects the commitment of nurses and team members across the organization to consistently uphold the highest standards of care.

"The journey requires nurses and team members across our organization to live the standards of excellence every day," Hardy said. "It required bedside nurses who were willing to ask, 'How can we do this better?' It required leaders who listened and removed barriers. Most importantly, it required a relentless focus on our patients and families."

Wesley Smith, chief nursing officer for Children's of Mississippi, said the recognition belongs to every member of the Children's team.

"Earning Magnet recognition is an extraordinary achievement in itself, but receiving seven exemplars further demonstrates the exceptional work taking place across Children's of Mississippi," Smith said. "These recognitions reflect our nurses' commitment to innovation, evidence-based practice and outstanding patient outcomes. This achievement belongs to every nurse and team member who works each day to improve the lives of the children and families we serve."

The children's hospital joins an elite group of health care organizations that have earned Magnet recognition, a distinction achieved by only a small percentage of hospitals.

The recognition underscores the children’s hospital’s ongoing commitment to advancing nursing excellence, improving patient outcomes and delivering excellent pediatric care for children across Mississippi.