Leading Change: A Case Study of the First Independent Critical-Access Hospital to Achieve Magnet® Designation. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nelson-Brantley, Heather V.; Ford, Debra J.; Miller, Karen L.; Stegenga, Kristin A.; Lee, Robert H.; Bott, Marjorie J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing administration. Volume 48:issue 3(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Nursing services -- Administration -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000588
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-0443

Abstract

Abstract : OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to understand how nurses in a 25-bed critical-access hospital (CAH) led change to become the 1st to achieve Magnet®. BACKGROUND: Approximately 21% of the US population lives in rural areas served by CAHs. Rural nurse executives are particularly challenged with limited resources. METHODS: Staff nurses, nurse managers, interprofessional care providers, the chief nursing officer, and board of directors (n = 27) were interviewed. Observations of hospital units and administrative meetings were done, and hospital reports were analyzed. RESULTS: Nine themes emerged to support a conceptual model of leading change. The CAH spent 3 years of its 6-year journey establishing organizational readiness. Nurses overcame complex challenges by balancing operational support and fostering relationships. The Magnet journey led to significantly improved nurse and patient outcomes. A new organizational culture centered on shared governance, evidence-based practice, and higher education emerged. CONCLUSIONS: The journey to Magnet leads to improved nurse, patient, and organization outcomes.