Magnet Designation

(Nov. 12, 2004) OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Illinois achieve Magnet Status.

Our patients know. Our physicians and everyone connected with OSF Saint Francis and Children's Hospital of Illinois know. Now one of nursing's most important designations lets everyone know:

OSF Saint Francis and Children's Hospital of Illinois' nurses are the best.

It starts with the special commitment upon which OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and Children's Hospital of Illinois was founded: Outstanding medical care delivered with deep human compassion. A community of caregivers supported by the best technology. A mission based in faith.

The most recent result of that commitment: Magnet designation given by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to OSF Saint Francis and Children's Hospital of Illinois' outstanding nursing team. According to the ANCC criteria, Magnet designation is afforded only to those hospitals where "nursing delivers excellent patient outcomes" and where "nurses have a high level of job satisfaction".

According to Keith Steffen, Administrator, the receiving of Magnet status confirms what most already knew. "We have known for a long time that the nursing care we provide is exceptional and being a Magnet hospital will be a daily reminder of our excellence," he said. "But Magnet is also a reminder that we must continue to strive for excellence because the patients we serve deserve only our best...everyday."

The Magnet certification is good for four years. The medical center will apply for renewal in 2008.