MedStar Health Celebrates First Magnet® Designation for MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital

Fewer than 1% of U.S. rehabilitation hospitals have earned a Magnet designation.

WASHINGTON — Nurses at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital are celebrating their first Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), recognizing nursing excellence and a sustained commitment to safe, high-quality, compassionate care. The hospital was honored at ANCC’s National Magnet Pathway Conference in late October.

MedStar NRH joins fewer than 1% of rehabilitation hospitals in the United States that have achieved this recognition. It is the ninth MedStar Health hospital to earn Magnet designation since 2004.

The ANCC Magnet Recognition Program recognizes healthcare organizations that demonstrate sustained nursing excellence through a comprehensive, multi-year review. The process includes extensive written evidence, validation of organizational performance, and an on-site assessment. Magnet designation is widely regarded as the profession’s gold standard for nursing organizations.

The recognition reflects the work of nurses and interdisciplinary teams across MedStar NRH, whose coordinated care supports patients recovering from injury or illness as they work toward greater function and independence.

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our nurses and the collaborative spirit of our entire organization,” said Adrienne Sarnecki, MSN, CRRN, vice president of Clinical Services and chief nursing officer at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital. “It recognizes nurses’ extraordinary commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, advancing professional practice, fostering innovation, and achieving outstanding clinical outcomes.”

“This is a meaningful milestone for MedStar NRH and a moment to celebrate the people who make this hospital what it is,” said John Rockwood, president of MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital and senior vice president, MedStar Health. “Our nurses form lasting relationships with patients and families during challenging stages of recovery. Their expertise and encouragement play an important role in helping patients return to life beyond the hospital.”

During the ANCC Commission review, MedStar NRH received six exemplars, recognizing areas of performance that surpassed program standards. The designation is awarded for four years.

Additional Magnet-designated MedStar Health hospitals include:

• MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
• MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
• MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
• MedStar Harbor Hospital
• MedStar Montgomery Medical Center
• MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
• MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
• MedStar Washington Hospital Center