In September 1787, the Convention of state delegates met to determine the fate of the United States Constitution, the framework for a new government. After speeches, debates, considerations, and ultimate consent, the delegates signed the Constitution, adopting the new framework and establishing the United States government. Upon leaving the convention, someone asked Benjamin Franklin, “what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Franklin knew that they were embarking on a brand-new way of operating and new framework of thinking, guided by the principles of the Constitution. He also knew that it was vulnerable, something that had to be consistently supported, affirmed, and embodied by leaders and the people.
Cultural excellence is not much different. The excellence required to maintain Magnet designation requires consistent support and engagement to keep the core tenets central in our way of thinking and operating. We have demonstrated at the highest level that we have enculturated excellence throughout our organization, and we cannot accept anything that will compromise that.
There are so many things that contribute to organizational excellence, and here’s a few that you can consider personally:
- Join a professional nursing organization that distributes an academic journal and read articles about how to deliver better care to your patient population (Common Professional Nursing Organizations) (scroll down the page to find the information)
- Become nationally certified in your specialty, better positioning you to drive change in nursing practice (Support to Become Nationally Certified)
- Get your baccalaureate degree, opening up the possibilities for you to promote (Support for Getting BSN)
- Set goals to promote through the Clinical Ladder and become an informal leader on your unit (RN IV and RN V Role)
- Engage in quality improvement through the Resource Nurse role or speaking with unit/area leaders about unit/area specific goals
- Collaborate with other disciplines through care coordination, interdisciplinary rounding, and implementation of evidence-based practices
Some have asked me when we have to start thinking about Magnet again – I have responded with “Today!” There truly is no rest period. Work is already beginning on the activities needed to maintain Magnet status through redesignation. I could not be prouder of the work we achieved to become Magnet designated, and I’m just as excited about the work we will do to maintain it.
