St. Luke's Recognized As One of the Top Hospitals in the Nation for Nursing Care

BOISE, Idaho, Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) has granted St. Luke's Health System's Treasure Valley hospitals and clinics a third Magnet Recognition.

St. Luke's is one of just 32 hospitals to receive this recognition for a third time. St. Luke's Treasure Valley nurses join the ranks of nurses at prestigious health care organizations such as the Mayo Clinic, Cedars Sinai and the University of Washington.

"A third recognition from the Magnet Recognition Program speaks volumes about the quality and dedication of our nursing staff, who deserve their place among the nation's best," said St. Luke's Boise/ Meridian CEO Gary Fletcher.

St. Luke's third Magnet recognition is valid for four years and applies to St. Luke's Boise and Meridian Medical Centers, St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute and the more than 80 St. Luke's Clinics in the Treasure Valley.  In 2002, when St. Luke's  received its first Magnet recognition it was the first in Idaho and one of only 39 in the United States.  

The Magnet Recognition Program is based on quality indicators and standards of nursing practice as defined by the American Nurses Association. Magnet recognition reflects that an organization has reached the highest level of nursing and patient care excellence in the nation.

"Achieving our third Magnet recognition has again raised the bar on patient care and inspired all of us – nurses, physicians, and professional and support staff – to strive to be even better," said Joanne Clavelle, RN, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for St. Luke's Treasure Valley.

Magnet applicants undergo a rigorous evaluation that includes extensive interviews and review of nursing services.  Research shows there are clear benefits to hospitals that achieve Magnet recognition as well as to the communities they serve. Consumers have more confidence in the overall quality of a Magnet hospital, and Magnet facilities consistently outperform other facilities in recruiting and retaining nurses resulting in increased patient satisfaction.

About St. Luke's Health System

St. Luke's Health System is Idaho's largest and only locally controlled health care system, employing more than 9,000  people. With hospitals in Boise, Meridian, Twin Falls, Ketchum and McCall, St. Luke's provides patients with unmatched care in specialized medical fields including cancer, heart and vascular, obstetrics, women's services and children's health care. To find out more, visit www.stlukesonline.org.

SOURCE St. Luke’s Health System