Culture, education lead to 4th Magnet honor in Bismarck

Magnet designation is the highest national award for professional nursing

Written by
December 7, 2023
4 min read
Culture, education lead to 4th Magnet honor in Bismarck
For the fourth time, Sanford Bismarck has achieved a Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The honor is based on measurements of "magnetism" that draw nurses to choose these locations as their workplaces. (Photo by Sanford Health)

If you ask Wendy Kopp, Ph.D., the Sanford Bismarck vice president of nursing and clinical services, a curious and supportive culture is what makes her teams so special.

“A commitment to ongoing education and professional development opportunities allows our nursing staff to provide high-quality care, leading to better patient outcomes,” she said.

The high level of care her teams provide is no secret to those at Sanford, and it’s no secret to those outside of Sanford’s walls. For the fourth time, Sanford Medical Center – Bismarck has achieved a Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Find nursing jobs: Search nursing careers at Sanford Health

What is a Magnet designation?

The Magnet designation, according to the Journal of Nursing Care Quality, “is the highest level of recognition that the ANCC offers to health care organizations employing registered nurses.”

“The Magnet outlines strict criteria to receive its prestigious designation,” said Dr. Kopp.

Two big reasons for the designation, Dr. Kopp said: the SAFE (Sanford Accountability for Excellence) culture at Sanford, which is a program created to ensure the safest possible practices and outcomes at the bedside; and constant support from Sanford Health leaders.

“To be Magnet, there must be a solid foundation, and for us that foundation is our shared governance structure. At Sanford Health Bismarck, we have incredible nurses and team members who share a seat at the table for those important practice decisions,” she said.

Keeping top nursing talent at Sanford

Another reason for the continued designations, Dr. Kopp said, is Sanford’s ability to attract and retain top-talent nurses.

“Our commitment to professional development also leads to the enhancement of overall quality of care through retention of top nursing talent. Professional development opportunities allow our nurses the opportunity to advance in their careers thus retaining that top nursing talent that contribute to those positive patient outcomes.

“In summary, the dedication of education and professional development is a key factor in the ongoing success of our Magnet designation, resulting in improved patient care, staff satisfaction, and overall excellence in health care.”

Learn more

…

Posted In Awards & Recognition, Bismarck, Company News, News, Nursing and Nursing Support

Simon Floss
Simon Floss produces multimedia stories for Sanford Health News. A former Emmy nominated TV news anchor, reporter, producer, and photographer, he brings nearly a decade of experience to the team at Sanford Health News. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his fiancée and their two animals Tobias (cat) and Winnie (dog). You'll also likely find him on a stage somewhere - he's a member of The Goodnight Theatre Collective, a Sioux Falls based professional theatre company, and also fronts a local rock cover band, Bangers and Mash. You can reach him at simon.floss@sanfordhealth.org.