University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City has again been re-designated as a Magnet hospital, the world’s top honors in excellence in nursing practice, hospital leaders announced Sept. 19.

UI Hospitals & Clinics is one among a select group of health care organizations in the world to receive this honor. UI Hospitals & Clinics was the first hospital in Iowa to be named a Magnet hospital (2004) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and the first hospital in the state to be re-designated twice (2008 and 2013). Fewer than 10 percent of hospitals in the U.S. have earned Magnet status, and far fewer have received it this many times consecutively.

“The Magnet designation is the pinnacle of achievement in nursing,” says Cindy Dawson, chief nurse executive and associate director of UI Hospitals & Clinics. “To earn this recognition four times is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the high-quality care that our nurses provide to our patients.”

Magnet designation is awarded to a hospital only after a rigorous review application and onsite valuation process of all aspects of nursing services. At a Magnet hospital, nurses are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care in an environment that values quality, safety, satisfaction, and education.

“Iowans can be proud that our nurses are being recognized for being among the leaders of our profession and providing patient care that ranks among the best available anywhere around the globe,” Dawson says.