As part of Yale New Haven Hospital's Magnet^® re-designation process, appraisers with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) will visit the hospital Aug. 29 - Sept. 2.

The appraisers will focus on nursing practice, but will also talk to physicians and non-nursing staff during their visits to the York Street and Saint Raphael campuses, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Yale New Haven Children's Hospital's Bridgeport Campus and ambulatory settings.

One question appraisers might ask physicians and non-nursing staff is, why is Magnet designation important?

"Magnet status demonstrates Yale New Haven Hospital's commitment to providing the safest, highest-quality care, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes," said Sue Fitzsimons, RN, PhD, senior vice president, Patient Services. "Magnet re-designation will also publicly recognize the hospital's nursing practice excellence, enhance our reputation as a destination hospital and support continuing efforts to recruit and retain the highest-caliber staff."

Other questions Magnet appraisers might ask physicians and non-nursing staff include:

• What is your relationship with nursing? 
• How do you communicate and partner with nursing to provide excellent care? 
• What is an example of an outcome or improvement you have achieved through collaboration with nursing?

"We want all employees to be able to speak to what they are most proud of as a member of the Yale New Haven Hospital team," Fitzsimons said. "The site visit provides a great opportunity to recognize the exceptional care all of us provide to our patients."