URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – OSF HealthCare Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana has earned Magnet with distinction status — the highest possible recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The news was shared this week with Mission Partners (employees) at the hospital, capping off a four-year effort toward the prestigious designation.
Magnet recognition is widely considered the gold standard in nursing and patient care. According to the ANCC, only 10% of hospitals nationwide achieve Magnet status, and even fewer reach the level of Magnet with distinction. OSF Heart of Mary is the first hospital in the 17-facility OSF HealthCare system to earn this elite honor.
“This achievement is a reflection of our nurses’ dedication, our commitment to quality patient care, and the strong collaboration across our entire medical team,” said leadership at OSF Heart of Mary. “It places our hospital among the very best not just in Illinois, but in the nation.”
The ANCC’s evaluation process included a rigorous review of written materials and a site visit last month. The Magnet program assesses how nursing excellence contributes to better patient outcomes, improved staff satisfaction, and workforce development, including nurse retention.
Only a few dozen health care facilities in Illinois have achieved Magnet designation, and even fewer are located outside of the Chicago metro area. OSF Heart of Mary’s recognition highlights the growing excellence in health care delivery throughout Central Illinois.
Hospital leaders will formally accept the award in October at the ANCC Magnet & Pathway Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.