The Influence of Professional Practice and Magnet Designation in Healthcare Institutions
Tonya Hawkins
Walden University
NURS 6006-1, Issues and Trends in Nursing
January 28, 2012

The Influence of Professional Practice and Magnet Designation in Healthcare Institutions
The healthcare industry strives to seek excellence in patient care. Professional Practice and Magnet are methods to drive advancements in the everyday clinical setting. The purpose of this paper is to explore the changes in healthcare affected by Professional Practice Models and Magnet status.
Overview of the Model or Quality Award
The Magnet Recognition Program was an award designed to recognize excellence in patient outcomes and satisfaction of nurses. …show more content…

Unit base counsels and committees consist of nurses who are practicing at the bedside. Shared-governance is practiced. Drenkard (2010) stated, “magnet hospitals have a history of positive nurse and work satisfaction linked to increased autonomy in practice, structural empowerment, participation in decision-making opportunities, and a positive work environment” (p.451). Nurses who work in an environment where they feel heard promotes job satisfaction and retention. Dr. McClure identified that magnet hospitals have more long-term employees than non-magnet facilities. (McClure, 2005). Nurses who are encouraged to advance in their personal education not only gain knowledge, but open the door to future opportunities within their profession.
Benefits and Challenges
The benefits of Professional Practice Models and Magnet designation include advanced educated nurses, job satisfaction, and nursing retention. Patients have better outcomes. Magnet hospitals are knowledgeable in research and practice evidence-based care. Evidence-based practice improves patient quality of care and decreases costs (Huston, 2010). The challenge of professional practice models and Magnet status is funding. Expenses involved include funds for tuition and certification reimbursement. Additional debt includes raises for nurses climbing the clinical ladder. Budgeting must allow for nurses to attend educational opportunities, committee work, and revising policies as needed. In Iowa, a pediatric