Huntington Hospital Earns Magnet Designation For Nursing Excellence

HUNTINGTON, NY — Huntington Hospital has earned a Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which recognizes excellence in nursing, the hospital announced.

Huntington is the only hospital with a fifth consecutive designation on Long Island – the first in the Northwell Health system, second in New York state and 32nd in the United States.

The Magnet Recognition Program spotlights health care organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence and innovations in professional nursing practice. Magnet was developed by ANCC. Only 586 hospitals worldwide have achieved Magnet status for nursing excellence since the program began in 1983.

“Our nursing staff is known for upholding the highest standards of nursing,” said Susan Knoepffler, RN, the chief nursing officer at Huntington Hospital, via news release. “With this accomplishment, our community is assured high-quality compassionate care by our talented and dedicated nurses.”

The 371-bed hospital employs 600 nurses, 1,900 employees and specializes in neurosurgery, orthopedics and cancer care.

“The Magnet designation five consecutive times indicates this is no fluke,” said Nick Fitterman, MD, executive director of Huntington Hospital. “This represents consistent, high-quality care by a dedicated, professional, extraordinary nursing staff. The Magnet designation provides the foundation of care that has propelled Huntington Hospital to CMS 5-star recognition. The only Hospital in Suffolk County to achieve this. The nursing staff continue to excel even while around the country we see health care workers burning out, leaving the profession, the staff here remain as committed as ever.”

To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff, according to the hospital. This process includes an electronic application, written documentation, an on-site or virtual visit, and a review by the Commission on Magnet Recognition.