Durham Regional Hospital (DRH) has achieved Magnet designation for excellence in nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Only five percent of the nation's hospitals have earned the designation, which is intended to recognize hospitals that provide the highest level of nursing care.

"Durham Regional nurses provide exceptional care every day to hundreds of patients," said Kerry Watson, chief executive officer of Durham Regional Hospital. "It is an honor Durham Regional has been selected to join this elite group of nursing organizations that provide superior care."

Announcement of the recognition on Nov. 17 is the result of a three-year application and evaluation process that included interviews with more than 500 nurses, physicians, and staff, as well as examination of nearly 2,200 pages of documentation, said Peggy Baker, EdD, RN, Durham Regional Hospital's interim chief nursing and patient care services officer.

"This is the highest honor a U.S. hospital can receive for its nursing program, and it recognizes the innovative, first-rate care patients receive at Durham Regional Hospital and Duke Medicine," said Victor J. Dzau, M.D., chancellor for health affairs and president and chief executive officer of the Duke University Health System. "Achieving magnet status is a testament to the knowledge and dedication our nurses bring to their profession."

Magnet designation lasts four years, during which time the ANCC monitors the hospital closely to ensure it maintains high standards of care. Magnet hospitals often are able to attract and retain the best-trained nurses, according to ANCC information about the Magnet Recognition Program.

The ANCC lists four objectives for the program: to recognize hospitals that deliver excellent nursing care to patients, to promote quality in an environment that supports professional nursing practice, to allow for the dissemination of successful nursing practices among health care organizations and to promote positive patient outcomes.