Exemplifying Magnet hallmarks: Hannah Chapman fills out an interactive whiteboard used in some Shapiro patient rooms.

In the next step toward the Brigham’s journey to Magnet designation, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) recently notified BWH that its appraisers will conduct a four-day site visit, March 26-29.

Two to four months following the site visit, BWH is expected to learn whether it has achieved Magnet designation. If successful, the Brigham will be among the 9 percent of hospitals that have attained Magnet designation.

The selection for a site visit is an important milestone for the entire institution, said Maddy Pearson, DNP(c), MSN, MA, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of Patient Care Services.

Appraisers will speak with staff across the Brigham to hear firsthand how they demonstrate the characteristics of a Magnet hospital: quality patient care, clinical excellence, innovations in professional practice and interprofessional collaboration.

“This site visit marks the next phase of the journey we embarked on nearly four years ago,” Pearson said. “It also confirms that the body of evidence we submitted last April captures how exceptionally the Brigham exemplifies the hallmarks of Magnet.”

She noted that appraisers will be interested in hearing specific examples of initiatives, programs and everyday practices that reflect quality patient care, clinical excellence, innovations in professional practice and interprofessional collaboration.

To help BWH staff prepare, a mock site visit will be conducted Feb. 20-22. Four nurse colleagues from Massachusetts General Hospital who have been involved in MGH’s Magnet work will serve as mock appraisers for the three-day exercise.

The body of evidence the Brigham submitted last year – highlighting 75 examples of how BWH meets the Magnet model – remains accessible to all staff. Visit BWHPikeNotes.org/magnet to learn how to access it.

In addition, a new display in the 75 Francis St. lobby features four initiatives that each demonstrates a hallmark of Magnet, accompanied by a video highlighting additional projects that exemplify these principles. More resources will be made available to all staff in the coming weeks to help everyone prepare.

“This visit will provide the opportunity to showcase and affirm the outstanding care we provide every day,” Pearson said.