Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital Receives Magnet® Re-Certification

On June 23, 2021, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital received official Magnet re-certification as a reflection of our nursing professionalism, teamwork and superiority in patient care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® is recognized as the gold standard of nursing excellence. Brooks was originally designated in April 2016.

With this credential, Brook is one of only 547 healthcare organizations out of 6,090 U.S. Hospitals to achieve Magnet recognition. Brooks was the first in Florida, and one of only five freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the country, to achieve this designation.

“This Magnet re-certification demonstrates that Brooks Rehabilitation continues to recognize the invaluable potential of our nurses to lead healthcare change by giving them influence over decisions that affect their practice. This milestone achievement in the midst of pandemic is a testament to this incredible nursing team. It signifies that our nursing care exceeds national benchmarks for quality and patient experience. I have never been more proud to be a nurse and I’m grateful to work with such an amazing group of professionals,” said Corinne Romano, RN, DNP, CRRN, CENP, Chief Nursing Officer, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital – University Campus.

According to the ANCC, by becoming Magnet® recognized, organizations empower nurses to reach their true potential. When a healthcare organization earns Magnet status, it garners more than external prestige, it demonstrates to the world that it’s an organization that recognizes the invaluable potential of nurses to lead healthcare change

To be Magnet recognized, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy application process that includes an electronic application, followed by extensive written documentation demonstrating qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding patient care and outcomes.

If scores from the written documentation fall within a range of excellence, a multi-day on-site visit occurs to thoroughly assess the Magnet applicant. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Brooks participated in a virtual site visit in April. The Commission on Magnet Recognition then reviewed the completed appraisal report and voted to grant Brooks Magnet re-certification.

“I am so proud to acknowledge the nursing staff and the shared governance councils for their hard work over the past several years to sustain our Magnet culture of excellence. Practicing at a Magnet designated facility means you aim higher. Higher patient outcomes, more evidence-based practice and greater satisfaction with your work environment. We are very proud to be one of the few Magnet recognized freestanding rehabilitation hospitals in the country,” said Joanne Hoertz, RN, MSN, CRRN, System Chief Nursing Officer.