Hospital for Special Surgery Receives Nation’s Highest Honor for Nursing Excellence

For an astounding sixth time, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) has earned the nation's top honor for nursing excellence from the Magnet Recognition Program^® of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a subsidiary of the American Nurses Association.

HSS is the first hospital in New York State to receive Magnet status six times, building upon an already celebrated legacy: It was also the first hospital in Manhattan to earn the coveted status in 2002. Achieving five or more Magnet designations is extremely rare; less than one-half of one percent of Hospitals naionwide have at least six.

"Achieving Magnet status once again underscores our dedication to nursing excellence at HSS," said Mary Cassai, MPA, RN, HSS Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. "Earning this recognition is a testament to the skill, compassion and dedication our nurses bring to every patient interaction as well as the exceptional care HSS nurses provide."

Hospitals recognized with Magnet status exemplify excellence in four areas: nursing philosophy and practice, commitment to national standards for patient care, leadership prowess and cultural sensitivity. Organizations must reapply for designation every four years, a rigorous process that includes a thorough evaluation of nursing services, clinical outcomes and patient care, as well as measurement against strategic goals.

"The sixth Magnet designation reaffirms what we at HSS already know: that HSS nurses deliver unparalleled care," said Ann Marie McDonald, EdD, RN, FACHE, CPHQ, Interim Chief Nursing Executive at HSS. "Our dedication to our mission and core values inspires all of us each day. This is confirmation that the programs we have developed and put into place to ensure the very best patient care are not only successful but also industry standard."

In addition to promoting nursing excellence and quality patient care, the Magnet culture empowers nurses and interprofessional teams through shared governance, professional development, evidence-based practice, and community outreach. This supportive environment enhances staff engagement, satisfaction, and retention, enabling caregivers to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care.

"We are incredibly proud of our nursing staff for achieving Magnet designation once again," said HSS President, CEO and Surgeon-in-Chief Emeritus Bryan Kelly, MD, MBA. "It reaffirms the central role our nursing teams play at HSS as leaders, innovators, and collaborators in delivering outstanding musculoskeletal care."

"Our nurses not only deliver the highest quality of patient care but also serve as a resource in the community," said Douglas E. Padgett, MD, HSS surgeon-in-chief and medical director. "This tremendous honor reflects their tireless efforts to make each patient feel safe, comfortable, and valued while they are with us, and just as importantly, to foster a culture of compassion and support across HSS."