Saratoga Hospital Achieves Magnet Status—Again; Fourth Time Recognition Underscores Commitment to Nursing Excellence

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Hospital has once again been awarded Magnet recognition for nursing excellence—the highest national honor for professional nursing practice.

The American Nurses Credentialing Center, which administers the Magnet Recognition Program®, announced Saratoga Hospital’s redesignation last week. It marks the fourth time the hospital has attained Magnet status.

“The Magnet Recognition Program holds hospitals to the highest standards, and that makes a difference to everyone who turns to us for care,” said Mary Jo LaPosta, Ph.D., R.N., chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care and organizational excellence at Saratoga Hospital.

She emphasized that, although it’s awarded by ANCC, “Magnet designation isn’t just for nurses. It acknowledges the culture of excellence that permeates the entire Saratoga Hospital organization.”

Because of the program’s emphasis on new knowledge and continuing education, Magnet hospitals tend to have a higher percentage of nurses with advanced degrees. That is true at Saratoga Hospital, where nurses are encouraged to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree and to pursue specialty certifications.

LaPosta gives much of the credit to the community and its support for Saratoga Hospital’s Nursing Scholarship Program. “Each year, community generosity helps us sustain a nursing workforce whose knowledge, skills and compassion have a direct, positive impact on patient care,” she said.

The gold standard for nursing excellence, Magnet recognition is considered when the public judges healthcare organizations. In fact, U.S. News & World Report’s annual showcase of “America’s Best Hospitals” includes Magnet recognition in its ranking criteria for quality of inpatient care.  

Saratoga Hospital is a U.S. News & World Report Best Regional Hospital for 2020-2021, placing first in Northern New York, third in the Albany region and twenty-second in New York state. The hospital has been a Magnet facility since 2004, when it became the first in the Capital Region to attain this designation. Statewide, 30 hospitals have been awarded Magnet recognition. Two are in the Capital Region.

“To earn Magnet designation even once is a significant achievement,” LaPosta said. “To attain Magnet status four times sends a powerful message about the caliber of our nurses and our organizationwide commitment to the highest quality patient care.”