Structural empowerment (SE) encompasses organizational structure, personnel policies and programs, professional development, community outreach, and promotion of a positive nursing image. Below, you will find standards within this component of Magnet and examples of how we meet or exceed them in our work each day.

Standards and Examples

SE11: Compassionate, Culturally-Sensitive Care Leads to Patient’s Remarkable Recovery 

SE11:
Provide one example, with supporting evidence, of a nurse or group of nurses delivering culturally and socially sensitive care.

Example:
When the Special Pathogens ICU admitted a patient who did not speak English, care team members collaborated with Palliative Care nurse practitioners and Spiritual Care Services to provide culturally-sensitive care. Read more. 

SE13: Recognizing Interprofessional Teams for Excellence with IV Pump Conversion

SE13:
Provide one example of the organization’s recognition of an interprofessional group inclusive of nursing for their contributions in influencing the clinical care of patients.

Example:
The Baxter Pump Implementation Team received a Partners in Excellence Award (now called the Pillar of Excellence Award) for optimizing collaboration during the transition to the new large volume smart infusion pumps.  Read more.

SE1EOb: Clinical Nurse Participation in Decision-Making Leads to Decrease in Patient Falls

Jacqueline Dow

SE1EOb:
Provide two examples of an improved patient outcome associated with the participation of a clinical nurse serving as a member of an organization-level, interprofessional decision-making group.

Example: 
When Jacqueline Dow, MSN, RN, of Shapiro 9W/10EW, a member of the Interprofessional Falls Committee and her Unit-Based Practice Council, identified an increase in patient falls on her unit, she collaborated with the council and her nursing director to facilitate interventions identified by the IFC. Read more.

SE10a: Commitment to Our Local Community: Raising Awareness for Suicide Risk

SE10a:
Provide an example of the organization’s support of nurses who volunteer in a local or regional community healthcare initiative that aligns with Healthy People 2020, Healthy People 2030 or the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Example:
Nursing leaders supported the efforts of Urology and Plastic Surgery nurses in raising awareness about suicide risk, prevalence and prevention by participating in the “Out of the Darkness” walk organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Read more.

SE10b: Commitment to our Global Community: Addressing Cardiac Disease in Rwanda

SE10b:
Provide an example of the organization’s support of nurses who volunteer in a local or global population health outreach initiative.

Example:
The Brigham has supported nurses volunteering with Team Heart by providing supplies for trips to Rwanda, accommodating staff schedules and recognizing volunteers in hospital communications. Read more.

SE7EO: Reducing CLABSI: Vascular Access Education in the NICU

SE7EO:
Provide an example of an improved patient outcome associated with knowledge gained from nurses’ participation in a professional development activity.

Example:
NICU nurses participated in a Vascular Access Education Workshop to increase knowledge around risk factors associated with obtaining and maintaining vascular access in the neonate population. As a result, the CLABSI rate per 1,000 central line days in the NICU decreased from 7.1 to 0. Read more.