The WOCN Society 40th Annual Conference (June 21-25th, 2008)


2362

Magnet and WOC Nursing: A Natural Attraction

Kay M. Rickey, RN, MS, CNS, CWOCN, Upper Valley Medical Center, Director of Advanced Nursing Practice and Magnet, 3130 North Dixie Highway, Troy, OH 45373

Increasingly healthcare facilities are pursuing American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet designation as a process to restructure, enhance and support professional nursing practice and quality patient care.  The 14 Forces of Magnetism identified through extensive research by the ANCC is the foundation of the Magnet Program.  Magnet facilities must demonstrate through extensive documentation how the 14 Forces are evident in their facility.  Once approved for a site survey, Magnet appraisers visit the facility to verify, amplify and clarify that the 14 Forces are quite evident.

WOC Nurses stand poised to exemplify Magnet concepts.  Magnet Forces of

ü      Professional Models of Care,  (Force 5)

ü      Quality of Care, (Force 6)

ü      Quality Improvement, (Force 7)

ü      Consultation and Resources, (Force 8)

ü      Autonomy, (Force 9)

ü      Community and the Healthcare Organization, (Force 10)

ü      Nurses as Teachers, (Force 11)

ü      Image of Nursing, (Force 12)

ü      Interdisciplinary Relationships (Force13) and

ü      Professional Development (Force14)

can be clearly demonstrated by WOC Nurses.  Other Forces such as Quality Nursing Leadership (Force 1), Organizational Structure (Force 2), and Management Style (Force 3), may also be an inherent part of some WOC Nurses roles.

The objective of this presentation will to review the 14 Forces of Magnetism and demonstrate how WOC Nurses can be an integral part of Magnet Designation.  WOC Nurses need to be aware of the Forces of Magnetism, whether or not their facility is considering Magnet designation.  The principles of professional nursing expounded by the ANCC Magnet Program will enhance any WOC nursing practice with ultimate benefit to the patient and organization.

Recognizing how the 14 Forces of Magnet are evident and can be nurtured in WOC Nursing practice and demonstrating that to facility stakeholders will help verify, amplify and clarify the valuable role of the WOC Nurse.