LITTLE ROCK -- CHI St. Vincent Infirmary, Arkansas's first hospital to achieve Magnet status, has earned its first redesignation as a Magnet hospital for its continued commitment to nursing excellence and patient care, CHI St. Vincent leaders learned recently.

The Magnet designation is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. It recognizes excellence in nursing leadership, clinical practice, innovations and positive outcomes. CHI St. Vincent Infirmary is one of just over 400 Magnet hospitals nationwide and one of just two in Arkansas. As a Magnet institution, it employs the highest standards of quality and ensures that patient care and safety are the top priority. Studies show that Magnet hospitals have better overall patient outcomes than non-Magnet hospitals.

The Magnet designation is an independent verification of the excellence demonstrated every day by nurses at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary said Polly Davenport, president of CHI St. Vincent Infirmary.

The announcement by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program follows a rigorous recertification process that included site visits, nurse and patient interviews and public comments. Magnet hospitals are recertified every four years. CHI St. Vincent Infirmary first earned Magnet status in 2013.

In a telephone call with CHI St. Vincent Infirmary leaders, an ANCC official said it was a unanimous decision by the ANCC committee to certify CHI St. Vincent Infirmary as a Magnet hospital for the second time. The ANCC official said CHI St. Vincent Infirmary demonstrated that it is dedicated to its nurses and to the patients and families it serves.

Multiple research studies indicate that Magnet hospitals have higher patient satisfaction, decreased mortality rates, fewer falls and improved overall patient safety and quality compared to other hospitals. In addition, Magnet hospitals generally have higher registered nurse retention rates, fewer RN vacancies and less nurse burnout than other hospitals.

CHI St. Vincent Infirmary's Magnet designation continues until 2022.