In October, more than 65 BWHers joined 10,000 nurses and interprofessional colleagues at the 2017 American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Conference in Houston. Attendees from the Brigham came back to Boston feeling inspired and eager to share their excitement about our journey to Magnet designation. BWH Heart & Science asked some BWH attendees to reflect on their experience.

“Walking into the conference, I immediately felt energized. The 10,000 nurses just beamed light and were excited to share their stories. As nurses, we all find ourselves getting caught up in the daily tasks and don’t often reflect on the amazing work we do. A keynote speaker talked about ‘the power of the moment.’ This struck me – not only thinking about all the special moments I have had with patients and their families, but also that this is ‘our moment’ to be recognized for everything we already do. Our interprofessional team is extremely powerful, and the work we do at BWH needs the recognition of Magnet.”
– Cory Gallant, BS, RN, clinical nurse, Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Interventional Center

“Most conversations I had with nurses from other hospitals were rooted in describing the professional practice model at our respective institutions. As Brigham nurses, we deserve to take pride in how our professional practice model supports our daily practice. The momentum for our Magnet journey is stronger than ever!”
– Tricia Conlon, BSN, clinical nurse, Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center in Foxborough

“The Magnet conference was the most amazing experience. I’ve never felt so empowered as a nurse. I am so excited to be part of this journey at BWH.”
– Farah Abellard, MSN, RN, clinical nurse, Tower 10BA

“I was most impressed with the excitement from our peers who are in pursuit of Magnet and from those who are at Magnet-designated hospitals. We’re already doing this work, and, in many cases, we’re doing it better. Every area of patient care at the Brigham could have presented.”
– Kathy McManus, MS, RD, director, Department of Nutrition

“One of the presenters said something that really stuck with me: ‘If the culture of Magnet is there, the status is inevitable.’ I truly believe a Magnet culture – one of nursing excellence, innovation and interprofessional collaboration – exists here at the Brigham. And it would be very exciting to be recognized nationally for it.”
– Laura Dickens, RN, clinical nurse, Shapiro 6W

“The Magnet Conference was one of the top five conferences I’ve attended in my 12-year nursing career. It aimed to help nursing departments describe, both qualitatively and quantitatively, nursing excellence and how examination of professional nursing practice results in better patient outcomes. It was a truly memorable experience.”
– Wyatt Biel, MSN, NP, nurse practitioner team manager, Division of Otolaryngology

“I came away from the conference thinking of an unofficial slogan for the Brigham’s journey to Magnet: Compassion, Caring, Communication. We lead with compassion when we go out of our way to ensure our patients and their families have what they need. We lead with caring when our nurses and interprofessional colleagues have time to reflect and support one another after a tough day. And we lead with communication when all staff can speak to our vision and mission and be Brigham proud. Leadership in compassion, caring and communication was an evident theme throughout the conference, and I believe we excel in these areas.”
– Judy Perron, MSN, RN, nursing administrator