MedStar Washington Hospital Center Earns Prestigious Magnet Recognition for Nursing

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, MedStar Washington Hospital Center joined an exclusive group of the nation's hospitals when it achieved the Magnet® designation for excellence in nursing.

Known as the "gold standard" for nursing, Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) is the highest and most prestigious nursing distinction a healthcare organization can achieve in the United States.

"This designation is a reflection of the dedication, skill, and heart of our nurses," said Ariam Yitbarek, DNP, MHA, RN, chief nursing officer, MedStar Washington Hospital Center. "I'm so proud of the national recognition for our nurses, but what truly makes this achievement meaningful is what it means for our patients. It means our patients are receiving the highest level of care, from the best nurses you could find anywhere."

Only 10% of the hospitals in the United States are Magnet designated. Less than 5% have achieved Pathway to Excellence® recognition. And now, MedStar Washington is one of only two in the nation to hold active designations for both, according to the ANCC.

On a conference call today, the ANCC Magnet Program commissioner shared the outcome of a recent Magnet site survey and announced that MedStar Washington has met its rigorous standards of quality and nursing excellence.

MedStar Washington was recognized by the ANCC with seven exemplars for outstanding work. Exemplars underscore exceptional performance in the various elements of the Magnet mode, and the ANCC recognized us with seven total—one for Transformational Leadership, two for Structural Empowerment, and four for Exemplary Professional Practice.

"This award validates the extraordinary care provided by our entire team," said Gregory J. Argyros, MD, president, MedStar Washington Hospital Center. "These rare badges of honor not only help us attract and retain top nursing talent, but they also reflect our deep and ongoing commitment to high quality, safe patient care."  

Over the last three decades, research has consistently shown that Magnet organizations surpass non-Magnet organizations in nurse satisfaction, patient safety, quality of care, and overall patient outcomes.

With this achievement, MedStar Washington became the sixth hospital in the MedStar Health system to attain Magnet recognition. Additionally, in May, MedStar Health was recognized with the first ANCC Well-Being Excellence™ credential. MedStar Health is one of only six organizations recognized internationally for the new global distinction that highlights the effectiveness of work to improve the well-being of nurses and other diverse teams.

In 2015, MedStar Washington made a commitment to create a nursing culture of sustained excellence. In 2017, MedStar Washington achieved its first Pathway to Excellence designation and was redesignated in 2022. The journey to achieve both Magnet and Pathway to Excellence designations required a rigorous documentation process. The hospital provided comprehensive evidence of adherence to the ANCC's stringent standards, including detailed narratives, performance metrics, and exemplary practices, showcasing transformational leadership, high-quality clinical outcomes, and nurse engagement.

Both Magnet and Pathway to Excellence recognitions are bestowed upon an organization for a four-year time frame, and an organization that desires to continue to be recognized must reapply for the designations.

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SOURCE MedStar Washington Hospital Center