November 21, 2003

The WACC Lobby was transformed into a place of festive celebration Nov. 12 as MGHers gathered to mark a milestone accomplishment for the hospital - Magnet recognition. It was Sept. 8 when the MGH learned the news - the hospital had been awarded the highest honor for nursing excellence.

Since that time, the MGH community has been commemorating this achievement in various forums, culminating in this grand reception that featured heartfelt congratulations extended by Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, MS, senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nurse; Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH; David Torchiana, MD, chairman and CEO of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization; and James J. Mongan, MD, president and CEO of Partners HealthCare.

"This truly was a remarkable achievement when the MGH became the state's first and only Magnet hospital," said Slavin. "We are so proud that the MGH has received this exceptional recognition."

The Magnet Recognition Program was developed by the American Nurses Association, based upon more than 20 years of research, to recognize health care organizations that provide the best in nursing care and to uphold the tradition of excellence in professional nursing practice.

While presenting the crystal Magnet obelisk to the MGH community, Ives Erickson said: "This is not just a symbol. It is recognition for the hard work and dedication by everyone at this institution to provide high-quality, safe care to our patients and their families. This isn't recognition for our nurses alone. It truly is about the 14,000 employees and staff who come here every day, working hard as a team to provide exceptional care."