Sarasota Memorial Health Care System announced last week that its Sarasota hospital has for the fifth time, and for 20 years running, achieved Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Association’s Credentialing Center (ANCC). Only 10% of more than 6,000 hospitals in the U.S have achieved Magnet status at least one time, but fewer than 1% have received the recognition five times or more. Magnet recognition, which must be renewed every four years, is the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence and the gold standard for measuring quality of care and professionalism in nursing. Sarasota Memorial first earned designation in 2003 and has remained the only hospital in the region with Magnet recognition for the past 20 years. To earn its fifth consecutive Magnet designation, Sarasota Memorial nurses completed a lengthy and rigorous review process to demonstrate their enduring commitment to top-quality patient care, nursing excellence, exemplary professional practices and a supportive, collaborative work environment. Earlier this year, SMH submitted a detailed written application followed by a four-day on-site appraisal in May by multiple Magnet appraisers who met with nursing leaders and staff across the organization to validate patient care practices, policies and procedures. David Verinder, CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, congratulated the health system’s nursing leaders and team of more than 3,000 nurses for creating a clinical environment that promotes excellent nursing care and patient outcomes. Research indicates that Magnet facilities consistently outperform other hospitals in key quality measures and patient satisfaction results. Magnet hospitals also are more successful at attracting and retaining an extraordinary caliber of nurses and have higher staff satisfaction. During a video call from the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program office early Tuesday, Dr. Sharon Pappas, chair of the Commission on Magnet Recognition, delivered the good news, calling SMH a "national and international role model.” Beyond its Magnet status, Sarasota Memorial has repeatedly earned accolades.. Earlier this year, SMH-Sarasota was ranked in the top 10 hospitals for nurses in the state of Florida and the highest in the region by NurseJournal, a national resource in education and career development for nurses and aspiring healthcare professionals. For more on SMH’s Magnet designation, visit smh.com/magnet.