SVMC: Still Vermont's Only Magnet Hospital

Magnet designation is widely considered the "gold standard" in patient care. And research shows that "Magnet hospitals consistently outperform non-magnet organizations."

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center first earned Magnet recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2002. Redesignated in 2006, SVMC remains Vermont's only hospital to attain the recognition.

What is a Magnet Hospital?
The Magnet Recognition Program™ for excellence in nursing was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to recognize healthcare organizations that provide the very best nursing care.

Chief Medical Officer Mark Novotny, M.D., presents award from Medical Staff to SVMC's Magnet nurses.

Magnet designation, nursing's top honor, is widely recommended, as in a New York Times article about choosing a hospital. It said, "All the medical authorities suggested checking whether a hospital is a magnet facility. Magnet status is like a seal of approval." Less than 3% of the nation's hospitals have qualified for Magnet designation.
 
How does it benefit patients?
Magnet simply means better patient care. Independent research has documented what Magnet means for patients. Here are some examples:

• Magnet hospital patients experience lower mortality rates.
• Magnet hospital patients have shorter hospital stays because of improved care.
• Magnet hospitals report higher patient satisfaction rates.
• In Magnet hospitals, nurses spend more time at their patients' bedsides.
• Magnet hospitals attract and keep higher quality nurses.

How can you choose Magnet?
If you want to be sure you can go to a Magnet hospital should you need hospital care, choose a doctor affiliated with Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. To find one, visit Find a Doctor or call the Physician Finder Line at (802) 447-5007.

"If you can easily check into a Magnet hospital, you'd be foolish not to."

--Reader's Digest, Sept. 2003