Temple region achieves Magnet^® designation

This regional achievement is a testament to our nurses' hard work and commitment to patients.

Baylor Scott & White Temple Region recently became the first complete region in our System to achieve Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the world’s largest and most prominent nurses credentialing organization. The regional designation includes BSW Medical Center – Temple, BSW McLane Children’s Medical Center, BSW Continuing Care Hospital, hospice services, ambulatory care clinics, as well as all other departments, clinics, and locations in the area where registered nurses provide care.

This prestigious international award for nursing excellence recognizes organizations for promoting nursing research, innovation, shared decision-making, and evidence-based practice. Fewer than 8% of hospitals and even fewer regions nationwide have earned this elite status.

“We applied for the designation as a region because the integrated provider model in Central Texas gives us the unique opportunity to showcase how we are able to improve outcomes across the entire continuum of care,” says Leslie Gembol, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Regional Chief Nursing Officer for the Temple region. “There’s work that goes into caring for a patient before, during, and after they are in the hospital. Because of our structure as a region, we can connect the patients’ care in our clinics and hospitals to provide better clinical care and outcomes.”

Ten other hospitals throughout the Baylor Scott & White system are among those honored with the award, and the Austin/Round Rock and College Station regions are also pursuing Magnet® designation.

“This award indicates our nurses have authority, autonomy, and accountability for their patients’ care,” says Denise Stewart, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Director of Nursing Excellence for the Temple region. "Nurses feel they can speak up and be heard, that they have the support of leadership, and that they can drive their own practice.”

Magnet® designation helps attract highly skilled practitioners—both nurses and other care providers—to join the Baylor Scott & White team. “It sends the message to potential candidates that our organization provides the infrastructure for employees to be successful, and that we all work together to achieve exceptional patient outcomes,” Dr. Stewart says.

Ultimately, the prestigious award benefits patients, says Dr. Gembol. “Patients at a Magnet®-designated hospital can feel confident they are receiving high quality care from a true team of specialized doctors, nurses, and other care providers, all working together,” she says.

Philanthropic gifts to fund scholarships for continuing nursing education are vital to this effort. “Our donors help make sure that everyone has what they need to give their best every day,” Dr. Stewart says. “We are so thankful for the part donors play in this continuous journey to improve excellent care.”

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