In 2006, the nursing staff at Cook Children's Medical Center was recognized for providing outstanding patient care, when they were awarded Magnet® designation.

In January of 2011, this amazing staff was once again recognized for excellence when they received re-designation as a Magnet hospital from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Since only 3 percent of hospitals in the nation have achieved Magnet re-designation, we are proud to say our medical center nursing staff is among the best.

The Magnet award is one of the most coveted and prestigious honors a hospital and nursing staff can achieve. The Magnet program recognizes hospitals that provide quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice.

"Not only is this a tremendous award for our nurses, but it reflects on everyone here at Cook Children's," said Paula J. Webb, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, vice president of nursing and chief nursing officer for Cook Children's Medical Center. "This important recognition re-affirms what we've always known; we have extraordinary nurses who work tirelessly to provide outstanding care to the patients and families we serve."

The ANCC said there were three areas in which Cook Children's was exemplary:

• Leadership with the Community-wide Children's Health Assessment and Planning Survey (CCHAPS) to improve the health of the community and the children in the region.
• Partnerships within the community; including work with the mayor's office, the homeless initiative, and staffing disease-specific camps.
• Work with families to ensure they understand the treatment their child is receiving and help them effortlessly navigate through the Cook Children's Health Care System.