On November 17, 2009, Dana-Farber received word from the commissioners of the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® that it has been recognized again as a Magnet organization for its excellence in nursing.

In 2005, Dana-Farber became the first cancer center in New England to earn Magnet status, an honor that has since been granted to only six percent of hospitals worldwide.

"I am so proud to work with such an exemplary group of nurses who in every way, every day assure excellence and compassion in patient care, clinical trials, and collaborative practice," says Patricia Reid Ponte, RN, DNSc, FAAN, NEA-BC, Dana-Farber's senior vice president for patient care services and chief nurse.

"Magnet redesignation is a reflection of the progress we have made in creating an environment that is filled with highly skilled individuals whose dedication to patients and families is evident in all aspects of their work."

Magnet recognition is an award considered by many to be the highest honor acknowledging excellence in nursing practice. Evidence shows that hospitals displaying the Magnet seal are among the most positive, professional practice environments where nurses collaborate effectively with physicians, demonstrate innovative nursing practice, and provide patient-centered care. Additionally, patient and staff satisfaction is higher at Magnet hospitals.

"This distinction reinforces Dana-Farber's commitment to providing the highest quality care to our patients and families," says Dana-Farber President and Chief Executive Officer Edward J. Benz Jr., MD.

"It recognizes the enormous difference nurses can make in patients' experience, the ability of quality nursing to maximize the benefits of treatment, and the importance of nursing involvement in institutional decision making."

Ellen Frank, PhD, a long-term cancer patient and member of Dana-Farber's Patient and Family Advisory Council, participated in the process.

"While going through treatment at Dana-Farber, always, steadfast by my side, were the nurses," comments Frank. "These are extraordinary people. In a crisis or just to say hello, they took care of me with gentle hands and an open heart. These men and women are so deserving of this award. They work hard every day to prove it."

All standards that can affect patient outcomes were appraised and commended, such as, quality improvement initiatives, nurse sensitive patient outcomes, and nursing research. Dana-Farber will be recognized as a Magnet institution until November 2013, when the hospital will then have to reapply in order to keep its status.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (www.dana-farber.org) is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center (DF/HCC), designated a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute. It is the top ranked cancer center in New England, according to U.S.News & World Report, and one of the largest recipients among independent hospitals of National