Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Community Hospital have been awarded the prestigious "Magnet Status" designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the nation's largest nursing accrediting and credentialing organization.

Nursing Magnet Status designation is the highest level of recognition ANCC accords organized nursing services in the national and international healthcare communities.

This recognition indicates excellence in nursing services, development of a professional environment, and growth and development of the nursing staff. Magnet status is valid for a four-year period, after which the recipient facility must apply for redesignation.

"This designation brings national recognition to both Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Community Hospital, which have demonstrated sustained excellence in nursing care," said Larry Garrison, Health First's executive vice-president and chief operating officer.

The Magnet Recognition Program was developed by the ANCC in 1994 to recognize healthcare organizations that provide the very best in nursing care. The program is based on quality indicators and standards of nursing practice as defined in the American Nurses Association's Scope and Standards for Nurse Administrators.