VCU Medical Center designated as a Magnet® hospital for fifth consecutive time
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s designation puts VCU Health’s premier medical center in the top 10% of hospitals in the United States.
June 25, 2025
Members of VCU Health’s leadership team gathered to hear the news about the designation on Tuesday, June 24. (Jonathan Mehring, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)
By Leigh Farmer
For the fifth time, VCU Medical Center has scored the highest and most prestigious international credential a health care organization can achieve by being re-designated as a Magnet® hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Considered the “gold standard” for nurses, the ANCC recognizes the medical center for its exceptional patient care and nursing practices.
To earn a Magnet designation, a health care organization must demonstrate transformational leadership, exemplary professional practice, innovations and improvements, as well as measurable results that show improved patient outcomes, team satisfaction and organizational performance.
“This is the fifth consecutive designation and reflects almost 20 years of excellence and a continued commitment to safe, high-quality care, not just at VCU Medical Center, but across our entire health system,” said Jim Willis, interim president of VCU Medical Center. “This achievement is a testament to our incredible team members whose expertise, talent and compassion are undeniable.”
What makes VCU Medical Center different from other hospitals?
According to the ANCC, VCU Medical Center was specifically recognized for its:
- Specialized nursing workforce, specifically validated for clinical expertise and level of education
- Exceeding the standards in patient clinical outcomes
Only 10% of all registered hospitals in the United States currently hold an ANCC Magnet recognition status. VCU Medical Center is only one of three hospitals in Virginia to receive the honor five times back-to-back. The first designation was earned in 2006, then again in 2011, 2016 and 2020.
“The journey to Magnet recognition is extensive, highly rigorous and requires a culture of excellence, continuous learning and commitment to quality care,” said Ellen Derry, DNP, interim chief nursing officer for VCU Medical Center. “The ANCC appraisers noted our teams are highly collaborative and always strive to provide the best, high-quality care. I am deeply grateful for our exceptional nurses across our health system who demonstrate an unending dedication to our patients, families and each other every day.”
(Taylor MacKillop, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)
