BJC hospitals are recognized nationally for clinical excellence,but it is equally important that our hospitals are rated highly by patients. Patient satisfaction scores are measured and tracked at each institution, and employees are rewarded for collectively improving patient satisfaction scores. In 2003, nearly all BJC organizations met or exceeded their patient satisfaction targets, demonstrating that patients appreciate BJC employees taking the extra steps to ensure a positive experience at our hospitals and service organizations.
Fostering effective leadership skills among our employees is also an important part of ensuring patients receive the highest quality care. Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital recently implemented a leadership development program called Leading an Empowered Organization. Managers, supervisors and charge nurses attend the course to develop strategies for individual and organizational success.
Leading in NursingBarnes-Jewish Hospital was named the first adult Magnet hospital in Missouri in October 2003. The award is the highest level of recognition for hospital nursing awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Magnet program honors hospitals that attract nurses by creating and sustaining a work environment that recognizes and rewards outstanding clinical practice and close collaboration with fellow health-care professionals. Nurses at Barnes-Jewish Hospital worked tirelessly over a two-year period to achieve Magnet recognition. Five volumes of written documentation were submitted, and each nursing unit designed a unique book highlighting their practice. During a three-day site visit, ANCC representatives met with clinical staff, nurses and members of the St. Louis community to confirm that Barnes-Jewish Hospital represents the best in nursing.