Our Journey to Magnet
The Magnet Recognition Program®, developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), honors health care organizations that demonstrate excellence in nursing, exceptional patient outcomes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Magnet® designation is considered the gold standard in nursing care—an achievement earned by only 629 of hospitals worldwide, showcasing a deep dedication to quality, safety, and innovation in patient care.
Three of our medical centers in Northern California belong to this elite group – and our goal is to have all our members and patients treated at a Magnet designated hospital.
“Magnet Recognition is both an impressive and important distinction for our organization and staff as well as the communities we serve. The designation reaffirms Kaiser Permanente’s steadfast commitment to consistently deliver superior patient care and outcomes, demonstrate professional growth opportunities and recognition of nurses, support nurse retention, and attract and retain outstanding professional talent.”
Toby Marsh, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE
Northern California Chief Nurse Executive and
Vice President of Clinical Integration
Why Magnet matters
Magnet recognition is not just a symbol of excellence; it’s a reflection of the superior care our nurses and clinical teams provide every day. Magnet-designated organizations consistently attract and retain top-tier nursing talent, demonstrate strong nursing leadership, and achieve outstanding clinical outcomes.
Numerous studies in peer-reviewed journals confirm that Magnet hospitals experience:
- Improved patient satisfaction and experience
- Higher nurse engagement and retention
- Greater success in implementing evidence-based practices
According to the ANCC, patients treated in Magnet-recognized hospitals experience tangible benefits:
- Lower inpatient mortality rates
- Lower failure-to-rescue rates
- Lower patient fall rates
- Reduced hospital-acquired conditions, including pressure injuries and infections
- Higher levels of safety practices adopted throughout the organization
Nursing excellence in Magnet hospitals
At Kaiser Permanente, achieving and maintaining Magnet® designation reflects our deep commitment to nursing excellence and a supportive, empowering work environment. Magnet recognition requires meeting rigorous standards and demonstrating that our nurses practice in a culture where autonomy, accountability, shared decision-making, and patient advocacy thrive.
Our nurses are vital partners in shaping high-quality care and advancing our organization through active participation in Professional Nurse Councils and other leadership structures. Their contributions include:
Establishing and enhancing standards of practice
Nurses lead the way in investigating, developing, implementing, and evaluating clinical standards and models of care using evidence-based clinical standards.
Elevating engagement
They monitor and analyze nurse satisfaction and engagement data to drive improvements.
Influencing operations
Nurses are involved in staffing, scheduling, and budgeting processes, and contribute to strategic plans for recruitment and retention.
Improving the practice environment
They offer input to nursing leadership on enhancing the work environment and elevating patient care.
Advocating for resources
Our nurses are influential partners to establish business needs for technical innovations and resources needed to meet unit, department, and organizational goals.
Participating in shared governance
Nurses from all roles and settings are engaged in organizational decision-making through councils, committees, and task forces.
Engaging professionally
Many are active in local, state, and national professional nursing organizations, representing Kaiser Permanente and contributing to the advancement of the profession.
Pursuing lifelong learning
They participate in continuing education and take advantage of career development opportunities.
Applying the Professional Practice Model
Nurses help shape, apply, evaluate, and adapt our Professional Practice Model to guide care delivery.
Developing as leaders
They engage in leadership development, mentoring, performance management, and succession planning.
Through these efforts, Kaiser Permanente nurses are not only meeting the Magnet standard—they’re setting it.
