82 - Preparing a Perioperative Unit for Magnet Redesignation

Description: Description of Team
Our team comprised nursing leadership, clinical educators, and perioperative nurses at the Josie Robertson Surgery Center's ambulatory operating room unit within Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). This multidisciplinary team collaborated closely to prepare for the hospital's third Magnet redesignation, emphasizing nursing excellence and patient-centered care.

Preparation and Planning
To prepare for Magnet redesignation, the team developed a strategic plan focused on aligning nursing practice with Magnet standards. This included designing preceptorship programs, establishing recognition initiatives, and scheduling regular staff huddles to foster communication and engagement. Leadership planned continuous education sessions on Magnet principles delivered through presentations, monthly updates, and interactive activities.

Assessment
The team conducted ongoing assessments of nursing staff readiness and engagement with Magnet standards by gathering feedback during staff huddles and monitoring participation in educational activities. Additional assessment involved tracking metrics such as nurse certification rates and successful completion of accreditation surveys to evaluate progress toward Magnet goals.

Implementation
Key initiatives were implemented, including launching preceptorship programs for new nurses, promoting nurse certification, and reinforcing closed-loop communication practices. Educational efforts were sustained through presentations and monthly updates focused on the American Nurses Credentialing Center's expectations. Leadership actively celebrated milestones to maintain staff motivation and commitment.

Outcome
As a result of these efforts, nursing staff reported feeling more prepared and confident when engaging with Magnet surveyors. The unit experienced an increase in nurse certifications and successfully completed accreditation surveys. These outcomes contributed significantly to maintaining MSKCC's commitment to nursing excellence and achieving Magnet redesignation.

Implications for Perioperative Nursing
This project demonstrates that focused preparation, education, and leadership engagement are critical to fostering nursing excellence in perioperative settings. The structured approach to Magnet redesignation can serve as a model for other perioperative units seeking to enhance nurse professional development, teamwork, and patient care quality.