The University of Maryland Medical Center Earns Nursing Profession’s Top National Honor for Fourth Time

March 22, 2024

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), the flagship academic hospital of the University of Maryland Medical System, has achieved the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet® recognition for the fourth consecutive time. ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program® distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. The coveted recognition is the highest national honor for professional nursing practice and requires re-designation every four years.

UMMC earned its first Magnet recognition in 2009. This year marks the first designation to also include UMMC’s Midtown Campus, reinforcing its seamless integration with the medical center’s Downtown Campus in Baltimore. UMMC is one of only nine health care organizations in Maryland to receive this gold standard for nursing practice. Less than 10% of hospitals nationwide have achieved this designation just 2% have earned it at least four times.

“Magnet recognition is a tremendous honor, and achieving this prestigious distinction for the fourth time underscores the University of Maryland Medical Center’s culture of innovation, teamwork, mentorship and a commitment to advancing the art and science of nursing,” said UMMC Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Karen Doyle, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “I am proud to work alongside an extraordinarily dedicated team of over 2,531 nurses who carry out our mission every day, delivering the highest quality, compassionate care to our patients and communities.”

ANCC evaluates Magnet applicants based on a framework for nursing practice, research and outcomes found to be the best indicators of nursing excellence. Among several performance measures, applicants must exceed national benchmarks for quality of nursing leadership, coordination and collaboration across specialties, in addition to its processes for tracking and improving quality and delivery of care.

Magnet designation is an achievement for every UMMC team member. The rigorous, months-long process, including an extensive electronic application, detailed patient care documentation and a site visit from the Magnet commission, required widespread participation and support from individuals and teams across both UMMC campuses.

Research demonstrates that Magnet Recognition provides valuable benefits to health care organizations and the communities they serve, including higher patient satisfaction, lower mortality risk and higher job satisfaction among nurses.

“Magnet isn’t just a simple acknowledgement,” said Bert W. O'Malley, MD, UMMC’s President and CEO. “It is a hard-earned representation of the knowledge, skill and passion for outstanding care that UMMC nurses bring to every patient we serve. I want to thank and congratulate everyone who played a role in achieving this significant milestone. Through your remarkable efforts, we continue to build on UMMC’s 200-year legacy of innovation and excellence.”