Magnet hospitals: What sets MD Anderson apart in nursing excellence
June 24, 2025
In June 2025, MD Anderson achieved its sixth consecutive Magnet designation — and its first-ever Magnet Recognition with Distinction — from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. This milestone places MD Anderson among just 26 hospitals worldwide to earn six or more Magnet designations.
Magnet status is the highest national and international distinction for nursing excellence. It’s also one of the reasons MD Anderson is consistently ranked among the nation’s top hospitals for cancer care.
But what exactly does it mean to be a Magnet hospital, and why is it important?
Benefits of Magnet hospitals
The Magnet Recognition Program was developed by the ANCC to identify health care organizations that consistently deliver superior nursing care, excellent patient outcomes and a supportive, collaborative environment for staff. Fewer than 10% of hospitals in the U.S. have achieved Magnet designation, which is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence.
For patients and families, the Magnet seal offers powerful reassurance. It means you are receiving care from a hospital that meets the highest benchmarks in safety, quality and compassion. Studies show that Magnet hospitals have lower mortality rates, fewer complications and higher patient satisfaction.
“Magnet is more than an award. It’s a way of being,” says Kim Slusser, chief nursing officer ad interim. “It represents the standard we set for ourselves every day and shows our patients and families that they are in the best possible hands.”
For staff, it’s a signal that they’re part of a culture that values teamwork across roles and professional growth. It helps hospitals attract and retain top talent and fosters a resilient, high-performing workforce.
MD Anderson nurses by the numbers
- 5,053 nurses
- 62% have a specialty certification
- 85% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- 40% of nurses in leadership positions have a doctoral degree
What achieving Magnet status takes
MD Anderson was one of the first 50 charter health care facilities to become Magnet-designated in 2001. Since then, the path to redesignation has become increasingly rigorous, evolving from a focus on structures and processes to measurable, outcomes-driven results.
In October 2024, MD Anderson submitted a 3,500-page application showcasing four years and 91 examples of evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, nurse-driven excellence in quality measures, and nursing research. This past April, Magnet appraisers spent four days visiting more than 75 practice areas, including inpatient units, outpatient centers and procedural areas to observe nurses and interdisciplinary teams in action. Their goal was to validate our written document and assess how Magnet standards are deeply embedded in MD Anderson’s culture.
“Achieving and sustaining Magnet status goes beyond Nursing. It’s a collaboration and source of pride for all disciplines across the institution,” says Christie Griffin-Jones, director of Nursing Quality and Magnet. “Each cycle raises the bar, and we rise to meet it.”
Areas of excellence
Magnet with Distinction is a newer designation that places MD Anderson among the highest-performing Magnet organizations worldwide. Based on validated data, it recognizes top-tier institutions that serve as role models for nursing excellence and foster care environments that lead to better patient outcomes.
During the 2025 site visit, Magnet appraisers highlighted multiple areas of exemplary nursing practice at MD Anderson, including:
- High rate of board-certified nurses
- High rate of registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree or higher
- High level of nurse satisfaction and engagement
- Low nurse turnover rate
“These exemplars highlight the expertise of our nursing workforce and the environment we’ve created to support their success,” says Griffin-Jones. “They speak to our commitment to professional growth, evidence-based care, and a culture that values quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. These recognitions are a testament to the daily dedication of our nurses and the high-quality care they provide.”
Magnet ambassadors take the lead
At the heart of MD Anderson’s Magnet journey is a dedicated team of more than 150 Magnet ambassadors, nurses who help connect frontline practice to Magnet principles. They educate peers, encourage engagement and ensure that the spirit of Magnet is lived out every day.
Melisa Calmo, nurse manager in the Gynecology and Radiation Unit, has participated in all six of MD Anderson’s Magnet designations. Over the years, she’s grown from participant to passionate advocate, supporting colleagues, preparing for site visits and building pride in the nursing profession.
“Magnet isn’t just about reaching a milestone — it’s a continuous commitment to excellence,” says Calmo, known on her unit as the “Heart of Magnet.” “Every day, we’re challenged to grow, improve and deliver the very best care to our patients. That’s what Magnet truly represents.”
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Key takeaways
- Magnet status is the highest national and international recognition.
- Magnet designation means superior care, lower mortality rates, fewer complications and higher satisfaction.
- Magnet hospitals foster a supportive environment that attracts top nursing talent.
- Achieving and maintaining Magnet status is a rigorous, outcomes-driven process.
- MD Anderson has achieved Magnet designation six consecutive times.
Topics
TreatmentIt represents the standard we set for ourselves every day and shows our patients and families that they are in the best possible hands.
Kim Slusser
Chief Nursing Officer ad interim