UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) received its sixth Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Jan. 28, 2025, a benchmark of excellence in nursing and patient care that is achieved by fewer than 10% of hospitals nationwide.
UCH is one of only 24 hospitals globally to earn this recognition six or more times.
“This is such a prestigious honor for our UCH nurses. Magnet accreditation is about creating and sustaining a culture of professional governance where nurses have a voice to drive change and elevate the practice of nursing,” said Jennifer Rodgers, chief nursing officer at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
Magnet status represents a mark of quality for a hospital that meets rigorous standards for health care delivery. The thorough Magnet designation process takes several years and includes a site audit to evaluate hospitals on several factors including nursing leadership, collaborative team culture, and demonstration of exceptional care outcomes which consistently outperform national benchmarks.
Magnet hospitals prioritize patient satisfaction. For UCHealth patients, this means receiving care in a facility that offers advanced and comprehensive health care services with cutting-edge technology. According to the ANCC, Magnet hospitals typically experience decreased mortality rates and shorter hospital stays. Organizations that earn this credential must also maintain high retention rates for skilled nursing staff.
“Placing focus on nursing excellence has a halo effect on overall organizational culture. When you empower your teams to be involved in decision making, improvement, and delivering quality outcomes, the patients benefit in the end. You create an environment where everyone can succeed and where people want to stay,” said Tom Gronow, president and CEO of UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
UCH first achieved Magnet designation in 2002. This was followed by re-designations in 2005, 2010, 2014, 2020 and Jan. 28, 2025.
Eighteen Colorado hospitals, including four at UCHealth, have achieved Magnet recognition. UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies is a three-time Magnet designated organization. UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital is a six-time Magnet designation organization and UCHealth Memorial Hospital received its first designation in 2023.