UVA Health Prince William Medical Center Earns Nation’s Highest Nursing Honor

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center has earned their third consecutive Magnet® recognition, the highest national honor for nursing practice, from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for delivering high-quality, collaborative, and innovative care. Fewer than 10% of U.S. hospitals have received Magnet recognition. The designation lasts for four years, after which hospitals must reapply to maintain consecutive status.

“This recognition is a tremendous achievement and a well-earned honor for the nursing team at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center,” said Erik Shannon, chief executive officer of the UVA Health community medical centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper. “Throughout this rigorous process, our nurses demonstrated not only the high standards of care they consistently uphold, but also the compassion, expertise, collaboration, and commitment they bring to our patients and families every day. Magnet recognition reflects the strength of our nursing practice and the culture of excellence our teams have built together. I am incredibly proud of our nurses and grateful for the leadership and dedication they bring to serving our community.” 

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center received Magnet recognition following a rigorous evaluation process that included a written application and a site visit by Magnet appraisers, who met with nurses, team members, leaders, and other stakeholders across the medical center. 

“Achieving Magnet recognition is a powerful affirmation of the exceptional nursing practice at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center,” said Michelle Strider, chief nursing officer of the UVA Health community medical centers and clinics in Northern Virginia and Culpeper. “Our nurses lead with clinical expertise, compassion, and an unwavering focus on what matters most, providing safe, high-quality care for every patient who comes through our doors. I am extraordinarily proud of how our team supports one another, embraces innovation, and continually looks for ways to improve the care and experience we provide.” 

Magnet recognition is considered the highest national credential for nursing excellence and recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong professional practice, quality outcomes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The designation also reflects a culture in which nurses are encouraged to lead, advance their practice, and work collaboratively across disciplines to improve care for patients and the community. 

“This achievement represents the dedication of an entire team and the many ways our nurses make a difference every day,” Strider said. “From the bedside to leadership roles, they bring their voices, knowledge, and passion to improve care and strengthen our organization. Magnet recognition is a moment to celebrate what we have accomplished together, while also inspiring us to continue raising the bar for our patients, our teams and the community we are privileged to serve.” 

Exemplar

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center demonstrates exemplary organizational support for nurses who volunteer in community health initiatives aligned with Healthy People 2030 goals. Clinical nurse Teresa Baltuano-Post, BSN, RN, IBCLC, RNC-MNN, of the Mother Baby Unit, along with her team and nursing leadership, supports the hospital’s Educational Baby Shower, providing valuable health education and resources to families in the community.

The medical center also demonstrated strong patient safety outcomes, outperforming national benchmarks and comparison cohorts for the majority of eight quarters across 100% of inpatient units in the following areas:

• Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI), Stage 2 and above
• Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI)
• Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)
• Surgical errors
• Patient burns

These results reflect the organization’s ongoing commitment to quality, patient safety, and evidence-based nursing care.

The recognition also underscores UVA Health Prince William Medical Center’s commitment to advancing nursing excellence through professional development, evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

“Our nurses are committed to a culture of excellence and evidence-based standards for a highly professional nursing practice environment,” Strider said. “Magnet provides a framework for continuing to learn, innovate, and reach even higher, for our team, our patients, and the communities we serve.”