Children’s Hospital Colorado earns fifth Magnet honor

AURORA, Colo. — Children’s Hospital Colorado has earned its fifth consecutive Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, placing it among the top 1.4 percent of hospitals nationwide recognized for nursing excellence.

Only 10 percent of hospitals in the United States have achieved Magnet status, and just 48 pediatric organizations worldwide hold the designation. The hospital has maintained its Magnet recognition for 20 years, a distinction officials said reflects its long-standing commitment to exceptional patient care and professional nursing practice.

“Achieving and maintaining Magnet recognition for 20 years is a mark of excellence that truly sets Children’s Colorado apart,” said Jennifer Roth, senior vice president of patient care services and chief nursing executive. “It signals to patients and families that they can expect outstanding care tailored to kids’ unique needs and to our nurses that their work is valued and supported.”

During the three-day review process in August, appraisers highlighted nine areas where the hospital exceeded Magnet standards, including patient outcomes, quality indicators and patient experience scores that outperformed national benchmarks. They praised the hospital’s nurse-led advocacy programs, school health initiatives, innovative inpatient psychiatric care model and advances in photobiomodulation therapy, which helps reduce side effects for chemotherapy patients.

Children’s Colorado president and CEO Jena Hausmann credited the hospital’s staff for its continued leadership in pediatric health care. “Our team members are the driving force behind Children’s Colorado’s sustained leadership in transforming child health,” she said.

The Magnet Recognition Program is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence, requiring hospitals to demonstrate evidence-based practices and strong clinical outcomes. Studies show Magnet hospitals experience lower patient mortality, fewer medical errors, higher satisfaction rates and lower nursing turnover.

Children’s Colorado first earned Magnet recognition in 2005 and was redesignated in 2011, 2015 and 2020. The newest designation applies to all Denver metro locations. The hospital’s Colorado Springs campus, led by Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Kathie Seerup, is pursuing its first Magnet designation.

“This accomplishment is a testament to Children’s Hospital Colorado’s commitment to nursing excellence,” said David Marshall, chair of the ANCC Commission on Magnet. “It reflects the dedication of the team members who serve patients every day.”