Magnet Recognition Program®
The Magnet Recognition Program®, which serves as a national gold standard, is the highest credential that acknowledges health care organizations for excellence in nursing, patient care, supportive work environment, and innovations in nursing practice. The Magnet designation represents the highest credential for nursing excellence awarded to an organization, and it signals a commitment to clinical excellence and continuous improvement.
Magnet® designation is awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), a trusted authority in nursing excellence. Only about 10% of U.S. health care organizations have achieved this prestigious status, reflecting a deep commitment to empowering nurses and elevating patient care.
Magnet with Distinction honors hospitals and health care organizations that go above and beyond, and surpass the rigorous benchmarks set for Magnet designation. It is a mark of extraordinary commitment to nursing excellence and patient-centered care.
Kaiser Permanente Magnet®-designated facilities
Magnet® designation is the highest level of recognition that the American Nurses Credentialing Center awards to health care organizations that provide nursing care. 13 Kaiser Permanente hospitals have achieved Magnet® designation.
Anaheim 2018
Baldwin Park 2023
Downey 2021
Fontana 2023
Irvine 2017
Los Angeles 2021
Ontario 2022
Panorama City 2023
West LA 2022
Woodland Hills 2025*
Santa Rosa 2025
S. Sacramento 2023*
Vallejo 2023
* Achieved Magnet® with Distinction
“Magnet Designation reflects who we are as nurses and as a health care team. It signifies our commitment to excellence and demonstrates that nursing talent thrives at Woodland Hills.”
—Jerwin Garcia, Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills
Magnet Recognition Program® 
A Magnet-designated organization reflects a workplace where nurses are empowered, supported, and recognized as leaders in delivering exceptional patient care. It signals a commitment to professional growth, evidence-based practice, and a culture of collaboration and excellence.
Any health care organization seeking Magnet designation must have a designated Chief Nursing Officer/Executive who is ultimately responsible for sustaining the standards of nursing practice throughout the organization.
Being a Magnet-designated organization means working in an environment where nursing excellence is not just encouraged, but rather it is embedded in the culture.
“For Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa, Magnet Designation means we are being honored and recognized for the dedication of our nursing staff and the entire health care team, who have tirelessly cared for our community and served our members and patients.”
—Danielle Guadagni, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa
What does Magnet Designation Mean for Nurses?
Professional Empowerment: Nurses have greater autonomy in decision-making and are recognized as essential leaders in patient care.
Career Development: Magnet hospitals invest in ongoing education, training, and leadership development across all stages of a nurse’s career.
Collaborative Culture: Nurses are part of interdisciplinary teams where their voices are valued, and their contributions shape clinical outcomes.
Improved Work Environment: Magnet organizations prioritize nurse satisfaction, retention, and well-being, often leading to lower burnout and higher morale.
Commitment to Excellence: Nurses in Magnet hospitals are held to high standards of evidence-based practice, innovation, and continuous improvement.
What does Magnet Designation Mean for Patients?
Higher Quality of Care: Magnet hospitals consistently deliver superior patient outcomes, including lower mortality rates, fewer medical errors, and better overall safety
Evidence-Based Practices: Magnet facilities emphasize continuous improvement and the use of best practices, ensuring that patients receive care based on the latest research and standards
Patient-Centered Culture: Magnet hospitals prioritize collaboration, communication, and respect, creating a more positive and responsive experience for patients.
Transparency and Trust: Patients increasingly seek objective benchmarks when choosing healthcare providers. Magnet status serves as a trusted indicator of excellence.
To patients, it means the very best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be the very best that they can be.
Essentially, Magnet designation signals that nurses are supported, respected, and empowered to deliver the best possible care. It’s a badge of honor for both the organization and its nursing staff.
Aligning with the requirements of the Magnet Recognition Program®, Kaiser Permanente ensures that nurses practice in a positive work environment that is conducive to professional nursing practice. In addition, we ensure that nursing is a valued voice in the organization’s decision-making body and in the community at large.