Inova Fairfax Hospital Maintains National Recognition for Nursing Excellence

Hospital Redesignated for Esteemed Magnet® Status; Among Seven Hospitals Nationwide to Earn Status Four Consecutive Times

Falls Church, VA – (February 22, 2011) – Inova Fairfax Hospital is proud to announce it has been redesignated as a Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This status is considered the highest institutional honor awarded for nursing excellence, with only 378 of the nation’s 6,000 hospitals having earned this designation. Inova Fairfax Hospital was among the first in the country to be recognized as a Magnet hospital in 1997 and is now one of just seven hospitals to have been redesignated four times.

“This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the nursing staff,” said Maureen Swick, RN, MSN, PhD, NEA-BC, Interim Chief Nurse Executive, Inova Fairfax Hospital. “This is such an incredible accomplishment and truly reflects on the clinical leadership, excellence and collaboration that take place on a daily basis throughout this campus.”

The ANCC developed the Magnet Recognition Program® to recognize healthcare organizations that provide nursing excellence. Inova Fair Oaks and Inova Loudoun hospitals have also attained Magnet status. Hospitals must demonstrate benchmarks in nursing leadership, excellence in patient care, quality clinical standards and a commitment to continued quality review and improvement. The benefits to patients include improved medical outcomes, shorter in-hospital stays and lower mortality rates.

Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.