Miami, Fl — Miami Children’s Hospital (MCH) has received “Magnet” designation – the nursing profession’s highest national honor – from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Magnet designation recognizes the MCH nursing staff for meeting the rigorous quality indicators and standards of nursing practice as defined by the American Nurses Association’s Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators. 

MCH is the first free-standing pediatric facility in both Florida and the Southeast to achieve this designation. Nationwide, it is only the fifth pediatric hospital to receive Magnet certification. 

The intensive Magnet application progress requires that hospitals submit in-depth documentation demonstrating the nursing team’s effectiveness in meeting standards for nursing care related to clinical competence and assessment, education, certification, cultural diversity, collaboration and more. ANCC representatives then perform a site visit to verify documentation before a decision is made whether to award Magnet status. 

“All of us on the nursing team at MCH are extremely proud to achieve recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center,” said Jackie Gonzalez, MSN, ARNP, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at MCH. “The nursing staff at MCH has a long-standing tradition of leadership, clinical excellence, collaboration and concern for patient safety. We are proud to join our colleagues nationally and internationally in receiving this highest award and designation for excellence.” 

“To the patients and families who look to us for care and support, our nurses are the very heart and spirit of Miami Children’s Hospital. We are proud of their commitment to excellence and applaud them for achieving Magnet designation -- nursing’s highest honor,” said Thomas M. Rozek, President and CEO of MCH. 

Miami Children’s Hospital, founded in 1950, is the only licensed specialty hospital for children in South Florida. The 268-bed medical complex offers comprehensive medical care and services for children from birth to age 21.