LYNCHBURG, Va., October 17, 2024–Centra has earned its fifth Magnet recognition, a prestigious acknowledgment of the healthcare system’s commitment to nursing excellence and high-quality patient care. The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® is the gold standard for nursing achievement in the U.S. and globally and is regarded as a benchmark for the quality of care patients receive.
Achieving Magnet status for the fifth time places Centra in a select group of healthcare organizations. Only two other hospitals in Virginia have received five consecutive designations, and fewer than 1% of hospitals worldwide share this honor. The award applies to Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital and Centra Medical Group, all of which first received the designation in 2005 and have continued to demonstrate the highest standards in nursing practice over the past two decades.
“Attaining consecutive Magnet recognition over a span of 20 years is a tremendous accomplishment for our organization. It speaks not only to the skill and dedication of our nurses but also to the core values that guide our entire team to deliver exceptional care,” said Mary Ann Fuchs, Chief Nursing Executive at Centra. “We are extremely proud of and grateful for our nurses, whose commitment fosters an environment where exemplary outcomes are achieved.”
Magnet designation ultimately signifies superior performance across several key metrics including higher nurse satisfaction, lower turnover, reduced vacancies, better clinical outcomes, and improved patient satisfaction rates. These factors create a robust, supportive environment that drives patient-centered care and clinical excellence.
To attain Magnet recognition, hospitals must meet rigorous standards across nursing leadership, quality of care, clinical outcomes, and ongoing improvement efforts. The journey to earning Magnet status involves a comprehensive evaluation of performance over four years, requiring detailed data and sustained excellence in nursing practice.
About Centra: Centra is a regional nonprofit healthcare system based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Serving its communities for over three decades, Centra has more than 7,600 caregivers, 500 employed providers and physicians, and a medical staff of nearly 800. Providing care in 50 locations, Centra serves over 500,000 people through critical medical services in central and southern Virginia. Centra is committed to fulfilling its mission of improving the health and quality of life for the communities they serve. For more information, please visit, centrahealth.com.
