MedStar Health’s Eighth Elite Magnet® Recognition Awarded

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital among 10% of nation’s hospitals to achieve the world’s highest level of nursing excellence.

BALTIMORE - MedStar Health continues to advance nursing excellence across its system, as MedStar Union Memorial Hospital earns its first Magnet^® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program^®.

Magnet recognition is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence and is achieved by only approximately 10% of hospitals worldwide. The designation recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate superior patient outcomes, strong nurse engagement, and a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital earned 11 exemplars, demonstrating exceptional performance in patient experience, nursing-sensitive indicators, and a highly educated nursing workforce, with a strong proportion of nurses holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.

For patients, Magnet designation means care is delivered by nurses who are empowered to lead, collaborate, and innovate, resulting in safer care, better clinical outcomes, and an exceptional patient experience.

“This achievement is a defining moment for MedStar Union Memorial Hospital,” said T.J. Senker, president of MedStar Union Memorial and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospitals, and senior vice president for MedStar Health. “We had a goal. The team knew they wanted this achievement for our community and our patients. It is through their relentless dedication, expertise, and the compassion of our nursing team, that we are here today. These nurses bring our mission to life every day through their commitment to excellence and patient-centered care and I could not be more proud.”

The Magnet designation follows a rigorous, multi-year process that includes extensive documentation and a comprehensive on-site evaluation. MedStar Union Memorial Hospital submitted its application in August and hosted ANCC surveyors in February, showcasing a culture grounded in patient advocacy, teamwork, innovation, and excellence.

“This prestigious recognition affirms what we know has been true everyday, that our nurses are leading the way in delivering high-quality care and continuously improving outcomes for our patients,” said Karen Owings, MSN, RN, vice-president of Patient Care Service and chief nursing officer at MedStar Union Memorial and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospitals. “The commitment they have made- individually and as a whole- to excellence and collaboration across teams is awe-inspiring. I’m just so proud.”

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital now joins an elite group of Magnet-recognized organizations, further strengthening MedStar Health’s position as a regional and national leader in nursing excellence. Across the system, MedStar Health has earned Magnet recognition for seven other hospitals, including the recent achievement of Magnet Recognition with Distinction™ at MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, placing it in the top 1% of top-performing hospitals worldwide.

“This milestone reflects the strength of our entire care team,” said Janelle Anderson, DNP, RN, CNOR, Magnet coordinator. “From nursing to our physician and ancillary partners, this is a shared achievement that underscores our commitment to delivering the highest quality care to the communities we serve.”

Magnet Recognition organizations will be celebrated at the ANCC National Magnet Conference in October.