Magnet Review Ends On a Positive Note
Last week, from September 18 to 20, Stony Brook University Medical Center (SBUMC) underwent a site survey as part of the final phase of the ‘Magnet Designation’ process. The Magnet Designation is a prestigious award granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) that recognizes health care organizations that provide the finest in nursing and quality patient care. SBUMC applied for the Magnet Designation in the winter of 2003/2004. By 2005, the Magnet document was written and submitted to ANCC in March of 2006.
According to the American Nurses Association, the Magnet designation ‘helps consumers locate health care organizations that have a proven level of excellence in nursing care.’ It goes on to say that although the Magnet designation specifically recognizes nursing care and quality, it also represents the hospital’s overall quality and a culture of empowerment, pride, respect, teamwork, and integrity.
This designation is awarded to select hospitals following a rigorous application process, intensive review of documentation, data, and clinical practices. A site survey process is conducted to ensure that the institution provides the best quality health care. Currently, there are 209 health care organizations from 42 states that have earned this status.
On September 20 after the last site surveyor had finished their inspection, there was a celebratory gathering by the nurses and doctors associated with the project. In the midst of thunderous applause, the speaker at the MAGNET meeting beamed about the experience. She said that although it would be six to eight weeks before a definite answer, ‘[the site surveyors] left the building smiling.’
Lance Armstrong Foundation Awards Cancer Grant
The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) announced the awarding of nearly $1 million in grants to 27 community, non-profit organizations across the country for programs that help cancer patients’ deal with the emotional, physical and practical challenges of cancer. In order to receive this grant, each recipient had to undergo a rigorous application process. Cancer survivors and cancer community experts and advisors were part of a selection committee that viewed the proposals. Stony Brook University is one of the organizations receiving this grant.
Suzanne Kho, the direct of grants at LAF, said ‘We are pleased to expand our support of community-centered, cancer survivorship initiatives through the awarding of 27 new grants this year’hellip;Together, we are helping to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer at all stages of the survivorship continuum.’
The LAF awarded grants concerning five issues: cancer pain, palliative and end-of-life care; practical issues of cancer survivorship; physical activity and nutrition; survivorship education; and emotional support for people living with cancer. In addition, the LAF Community Program also provides financial support and counseling to community centered initiatives that addresses the challenges of cancer.
Since its inception in 2001, the LAF Community Program has awarded more than $4.8 million to non-profit organizations across the country.
