Christiana Care Health System Achieves Magnet(R) Recognition

WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Christiana Care Health System has achieved Magnet® recognition for excellence in nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Only 6 percent of the nation's hospitals have earned this honor, the highest level of national recognition to health care organizations that demonstrate sustained excellence in nursing care.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090407/DC95299LOGO)

Christiana Care is the only hospital in Delaware to achieve Magnet status.

"It is a great honor to receive such prestigious national recognition and a testament to the extraordinary nurses and our entire health care team who work together every day to provide the very best care to our patients," says Robert Laskowski, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Christiana Care Health System.

"This is the highest honor a hospital can receive for its nursing program and supports the exceptional skill and dedication of nursing at Christiana Care," says Diane Talarek, RN, chief nursing officer at Christiana Care. "This distinction underscores the tremendous professionalism, care and compassion of Christiana Care's nurses."

The Magnet Recognition Program® honors health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice and adherence to national standards for the organization and delivery of nursing services. Applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation process that includes a multi-day site visit by Magnet nurse appraisers to review nursing services.

"We are so appreciative of the many employees who were directly involved in this process," says Talarek.

"Our nursing staff are truly deserving of this designation, recognizing the excellent work they do everyday. I am so proud of them," adds Janet Cunningham, RN, associate chief nursing officer.

Research shows there are clear benefits to hospitals that receive Magnet status and to the communities they serve in consumer confidence, recruitment and retention and in maintaining quality of care. Magnet recognition is maintained for four years. During that period, the ANCC monitors facilities to ensure high standards of care continue to remain.

For more information about Christiana Care, go to www.christianacare.org.

SOURCE Christiana Care Health System