J Nurs Adm. 2026 Aug 1;56(8):427-432. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000001762. Epub 2026 Jul 20.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study sought to examine differences in nursing-sensitive patient outcomes among Magnet® hospitals, Pathway To Excellence® (PTE) hospitals, and non-American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC®) designated hospitals.
BACKGROUND: The ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and PTE Program provide frameworks that foster nursing excellence, although limited research has examined the differences of nursing-sensitive patient outcomes among recognition programs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional comparative analysis was conducted using 2023 data from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® (NDNQI).
RESULTS: Magnet hospitals reported significantly lower fall rates compared with non-ANCC hospitals (P=0.01). PTE hospitals exhibited significantly lower central line-associated bloodstream infection rates than non-ANCC hospitals (P<0.04). No statistically significant differences in catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates or hospital-acquired pressure injury prevalence were observed.
CONCLUSIONS: ANCC designations were inconsistently associated with better nurse-sensitive patient outcomes in this study. The absence of consistent differences across outcomes may reflect unbalanced sample distribution across designation groups in this sample.
PMID:42480085 | DOI:10.1097/NNA.0000000000001762
