Validating clinical competence.

Professional registered nurses must be competent to provide care in today's fast-paced, highly technical clinical environment. Competency programs designed to teach and evaluate essential knowledge, skills, and abilities of registered nurses are one method organizations may use to demonstrate nursing proficiency.

Strategy as solution: developing a nursing strategic plan.

This month, the Executive Director of the American Nurses Credentialing Center provides a look at the importance of having a nursing strategic plan especially when working to create a research agenda.

Empirical outcomes: proof of making a difference.

The director of the Magnet Recognition Program® provides a comprehensive look at the Magnet® Model component Empirical Quality Outcomes. This article examines the importance of outcomes data that the organization already collects and how these should be used. Quantitative benchmarks should be established.

The transformative power of personal and organizational leadership.

Transformational leadership has both personal and professional domains. Key concepts and research related to transformational leadership are explored, as well as a framework for personal and professional leadership, in relation to leadership of self, leadership in relation to others, and leadership in relation to systems. A review of the issues and trends facing nurse executives results in identification of the research gaps in personal and professional leadership as it impacts nursing practice, and suggestions about potential research agenda items for executive nurse leadership in practice are discussed.

Advancing the science of nursing, improving the quality of care.

The director of the Magnet Recognition Program provides a comprehensive look at the Magnet model component new knowledge, innovation, and improvements. This article examines Magnet organizations' responsibility to advance evidence-based practice, improve quality, and develop new models of care. It includes exemplars of innovative contributions from Magnet organizations around the country.

Exemplary professional practice: the core of a magnet® organization.

This month, the director of the Magnet Recognition Program® provides an in-depth look at the Magnet® Model component exemplary professional practice, what it takes to establish such a practice, and how it can help organizations achieve extraordinary results.

An innovative environment where empowered nurses flourish.

This month, the director of the Magnet Recognition Program® takes an in-depth look at the Magnet® model component structural empowerment. He examines the characteristics associated with this component and identifies successes and challenges associated with addressing this component.

Transformational leadership.

This month, the director of the Magnet Recognition Program® takes an in-depth look at the Magnet® model component transformational leadership. The author examines the expectations for Magnet organizations around this component. What are the qualities that make a nursing leader truly transformational, and what is the best approach to successfully lead a healthcare organization through today's volatile healthcare environment?

The Magnet® model: an infrastructure for excellence.

This month, the director of the Magnet Recognition Program provides an overview of the Magnet model. In 2007, the Magnet model was developed as a framework for grouping the Sources of Evidence, collapsing them into fewer domains than the 14 Forces of Magnetism. The new model provides a foundation for structure and process while emphasizing the importance of nursing leadership and the achievement of superior performance as evidenced by clinical practice outcomes.

Introducing the official leadership Journal of the Magnet Recognition Program®.

In this monthly department, sponsored by the Magnet Recognition Program, updates will be provided on news and initiatives, research findings, Magnet Model components, and best practices among Magnet hospitals. This month, the author provides an overview of the Magnet Recognition Program.

The outcomes of Magnet environments and nursing staff engagement: a case study.

To ensure that nursing as a profession is recognized for the value we provide to our organizations, communities, and the world, a consistent level of practice and professionalism will be necessary. Consistency across the profession can be achieved through support of the framework and structures required for the process of attaining Magnet designation. This article is a case study of an organization that on all levels from economic, manpower, quality, and safety has benefited from the Magnet journey.

Credentialing: achieving quality in continuing nursing education.

For more than three decades, the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Accreditation Program has been committed to the delivery of quality continuing nursing education. Changes in the landscape of continuing education have prompted a critical evaluation of the current criteria and have led to some significant revisions. This column provides an overview of these changes.

The business case for Magnet.

The author describes the role of the chief nurse executive in delivering a business case for the Journey to Magnet Excellence. Calculating a return on investment provides clear measurement of benefits of the credential and can be used to evaluate upfront resources that result in a longer-term gain. The range of cost savings that can possibly be achieved for a typical 500-bed hospital is presented.

Assessing competency: a new accreditation resource.

Validating the competence of nurses is of increasing importance. This column describes a new program just launched by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation to accredit educational activities that are designed to validate a learner's achievement of competence in an area of nursing knowledge or a skill set.