Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has attained Magnet® recognition multiple times as part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. This voluntary credentialing program for hospitals recognizes excellence in nursing. This credential is the highest honor an organization can receive for professional nursing practice. CHOP was initially designated a Magnet hospital in 2004 and was the first pediatric hospital in Pennsylvania to receive Magnet status. In 2008, 2014, 2019 and 2024 CHOP was re-designated as a Magnet institution.

CHOP is one of a select group of 482 healthcare organizations out of nearly 6,000 in the United States and the world to achieve Magnet designation. Hospitals must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet components and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality.

Magnet recognition: the gold standard for nursing excellence

To achieve initial Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. The process begins with the submission of an electronic application, followed by written documentation demonstrating qualitative and quantitative evidence regarding patient care and outcomes. If scores from the written documentation fall within a range of excellence, an on-site visit will occur to thoroughly assess the applicant. After this rigorous on-site review process, the Commission on Magnet Recognition will review the completed appraisal report and vote to determine whether Magnet recognition will be granted.

An organization seeking to reapply for Magnet recognition must provide documented evidence of how Magnet concepts, performance, and quality were sustained and improved over the four-year period since the hospital received its most recent recognition.

What Magnet status means for patient families

Why is Magnet status important to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia? How does it help our patients and their families? There are several reasons:

• The patients are No. 1, and the care reflects that.
• Hospitals with Magnet status have lower mortality and morbidity rates, better patient outcomes, and a shorter length of stay.
• Evidence-based practice produces better patient care models. These patient care models help CHOP foster a superior patient care environment.
• Magnet status attracts higher quality professionals, ensuring the CHOP staff are among the best.