St. Joseph's/Candler earns six Magnet Recognition for Nursing Excellence
For the sixth time, the nurses at St. Joseph’s/Candler have achieved what few in the world have — Magnet Recognition for Nursing Excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This prestigious distinction confirms what our patients and families already know: our nurses deliver exceptional care with revolutionary skill and unwavering dedication.
St. Joseph’s/Candler first earned Magnet Recognition in 2002 and has continued to maintain the highest standards ever since — with re-recognitions in 2006, 2010, 2015, 2020 and 2025. In 2025, we have joined an elite group:
- Only 20 healthcare systems worldwide have earned six Magnet designations.
- We remain one of just 14 Magnet-recognized facilities in Georgia.
- And we are among fewer than 625 Magnet hospitals globally.
This recognition isn’t just about awards — it’s about people. It’s about patients. It’s about better outcomes, safer care and the nursing teams who make it possible.
What is Magnet Recognition, and why does it matter? 
Established in 1994, the Magnet Recognition Program is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence. The ANCC designed it to identify organizations that truly value nursing professionalism, high-quality care, and patient safety.
The Magnet Model provides a roadmap for nursing excellence through:
- Strong leadership and staff engagement
- Evidence-based practices and continuous innovation
- Measurement of outcomes and commitment to quality
- Collaboration across specialties to improve every aspect of care
To patients and families, Magnet status offers something powerful: peace of mind.
What does this mean for our patients?
Magnet Recognition isn’t just a symbol — it brings real, measurable benefits for the people we serve. Independent research shows that Magnet hospitals consistently deliver better patient outcomes, with the statistics to back up our claims. Patients experience higher satisfaction thanks to attentive nursing, clear communication and thorough, expedient discharge education. The risk of serious complications—such as 30-day mortality or failure to rescue—is significantly lower, and tangible improvements like a 10.3% reduction in fall rates and a 5% decrease in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers reflect a steadfast commitment to safety. Even among caregivers, safety has improved, with needle stick injuries reduced by 33 percent. Behind each of these numbers is a life touched, a family reassured and a healing moment made possible.
How we earned our sixth Magnet Designation
St. Joseph’s/Candler showed the Magnet appraisers how the 1,800 nurses in the system were able to improve patient outcomes. During the last eight quarters, the health system outperformed the Magnet standards on:
- Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers
- Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI)
- Patient falls with injury
- Patient satisfaction with discharge education
- Surgical outcomes
- Nurse engagement
- Workplace safety
Redesignation is not automatic. Each time, an organization must prove that it has not only maintained Magnet standards but improved upon them over the previous four years. Our nurses did just that — showing the Magnet appraisers how we continue to elevate care, innovate our practices and improve patient outcomes year after year.
Leadership across Georgia: The Magnet Consortium
Back in 2002, when St. Joseph’s/Candler first received Magnet Recognition, we were only the second hospital in Georgia to do so. Since then, six others have joined us.
Together, we form the Georgia Magnet Consortium, a statewide collaboration where leaders from each hospital meet at least twice a year to share ideas, tackle common challenges, and continue raising the bar for nursing across the state.
Being part of something exceptional
At St. Joseph’s/Candler, Magnet Recognition reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence in every moment of care — whether it’s a lifesaving procedure or a reassuring conversation at a patient’s bedside.
To our nurses — thank you for your sacrifice and care. To our patients — you inspire us in all we do. And to those who want to join a team that sets the standard in nursing excellence — welcome to your new home.