Our Magnet journey began in early 2004 when we made the decision to pursue Magnet status. Magnet has evolved from just an idea into a change in our nursing culture.

• Formation of the initial Magnet Steering Committee. Participants attended educational seminars and made site visits to other Magnet Hospitals. This group made the decision to pursue Magnet and evolved into the NET-AIM Team (Nurse Empowerment Team – All Invested in Magnet)

• Unit champions designated to represent each unit. They relayed important information to the staff and recently have assisted with Magnet Promotional Events and reviewing drafts of the application.

• Three representatives from NET-AIM sent to the 2004 Magnet National Conference. Five representatives attended the 2006 conference in March.

• Educational activities for the staff, including monthly promotional activities on various shifts, all-day workshops with 200 nurses in attendance, Magnet Minute newsletter, poster displays and bulletin boards, distribution of Magnet calendars, and presentations to hospital groups.

• Initial Application for Magnet designation completed February 2005. This was really our ‘intent to apply’.

• First Annual R.N. satisfaction survey completed May 2005, NDNQI data submission, Gap analysis for each department completed. Action plans developed by individual units.

• New Model of Care designed and approved. Presented at National Conference. Article written at author’s request for 2 nd edition of the book our model is based on: Relationship-Based Care.

• Increased staff nurse involvement in Patient Care Services operations by re-design of Patient Care Services’ Operational Structure, formation of new Research Council and Workplace Environment Council, appointment of staff nurses as co-chairs of the councils.

• Recognition of Physician Magnet Champions

• Review of 1 st Draft of documents by Net-AIM and Unit Champions began Nov 2005

• Writing and compilation of documents continued throughout late 2005 and early 2006.

• Completed Documents to the Post office! March 21, 2006