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Washington Hospital earns special nursing award
Fremont medical center 5th in Bay Area to receive recognition

Washington Hospital in Fremont has been granted the Magnet status recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

The Magnet program recognizes health care organizations that provide "nursing excellence"

"Back in 1994 when I became CEO of Washington Hospital, we made a strategic decision to invest in our nurses as a critical element to our overall success and delivery of health care to our residents," said Nancy Farber, chief executive officer of Washington Hospital Healthcare System.

"We implemented a high nurse-to-patient ratio before it was mandated by the state of California," she added. "Today's honor of receiving this Magnet designation is a direct product of that investment and a great testament to our nurses, our management team and our board."

A designation by the Magnet Recognition Program is awarded to hospitals that provide a superior level of health care for patients, display innovative practices and employ nurses as part of a team that perform excellent work, according to Magnet program representatives.

Magnet representatives said Washington Hospital is only the fifth hospital in the Bay Area and 24th in California to achieve this recognition. Only 6.7% of hospitals in the U.S. have earned this status.