Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has been awarded the Magnet Recognition Program’s highest honor for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for a sixth time. This achievement makes HSS the first hospital in New York State to receive Magnet status six times, continuing its legacy as the first Manhattan hospital to earn this distinction in 2002. Fewer than one-half of one percent of hospitals nationwide have received at least six Magnet designations.
Mary Cassai, MPA, RN, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at HSS, stated, “Achieving Magnet status once again underscores our dedication to nursing excellence at HSS. Earning this recognition is a testament to the skill, compassion and dedication our nurses bring to every patient interaction as well as the exceptional care HSS nurses provide.”
The Magnet designation recognizes hospitals that demonstrate excellence in four areas: nursing philosophy and practice, adherence to national standards for patient care, leadership ability, and cultural sensitivity. Hospitals must reapply every four years through a rigorous evaluation process that assesses nursing services, clinical outcomes, patient care quality, and alignment with strategic goals.
Ann Marie McDonald, EdD, RN, FACHE, CPHQ, Interim Chief Nursing Executive at HSS said: “The sixth Magnet designation reaffirms what we at HSS already know: that HSS nurses deliver unparalleled care. Our dedication to our mission and core values inspires all of us each day. This is confirmation that the programs we have developed and put into place to ensure the very best patient care are not only successful but also industry standard.”
The Magnet culture supports nursing excellence by fostering shared governance among interprofessional teams and promoting professional development and evidence-based practice. This environment helps improve staff engagement and retention while supporting high-quality patient-centered care.
Bryan Kelly, MD, MBA, President & CEO and Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus of HSS commented: “We are incredibly proud of our nursing staff for achieving Magnet designation once again. It reaffirms the central role our nursing teams play at HSS as leaders, innovators, and collaborators in delivering outstanding musculoskeletal care.”
Douglas E. Padgett, MD, surgeon-in-chief and medical director at HSS added: “Our nurses not only deliver the highest quality of patient care but also serve as a resource in the community. This tremendous honor reflects their tireless efforts to make each patient feel safe, comfortable, and valued while they are with us, and just as importantly, to foster a culture of compassion and support across HSS.”