Karen Drenkard, RN, PhD, NEA-BC, FAAN and current Director of the Magnet Recognition Program for the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) gave the address at the Hospital Librarians Luncheon.  She is a recognized nursing leader and scholar as well as a dynamic speaker.   Dr. Drenkard  provided an overview of the Magnet credentialing process and goals, highlighting new changes which reflect the efforts of the ANCC to reduce redundancies while preserving the standards of excellence required to achieve the Magnet credential.  Her presentation was beneficial to all in attendance, regardless of whether attendees’ institutions had achieved Magnet status, were in the process of preparing an application, or were thinking about applying.

Dr. Drenkard

Evidenced-based practice is a key factor in the Magnet program and librarians are key to providing and facilitating access to this information for our clinicians. We know this and some of us, but not all, work in institutions with leadership who know this as well.  To prepare for her presentation, Dr. Drenkard conducted an email survey of all the Chief Nursing Officers of Magnet-credentialed hospitals, asking one question: “How and in what ways have you partnered with your medical librarian to engage them in the Magnet Journey?”  She received approximately ninety-two responses out of a possible 352, and the bottom line is—we’re a hit!  The data she collated highlights the value of our services, and some of the examples of services that have resulted from Magnet collaborations are inspiring.  Keep your eyes on the conference website—Dr. Drenkard will try to make the slides of her presentation available to us all. She also hopes to flesh out her study a bit more and publish the results.

Meanwhile, partner with your CNO and your Magnet team—it can only be good!

Gretchen Kuntz , Clinical Liaison Librarian
Biomedical Library, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pa.
gkuntz2@mail.med.upenn.edu