'Above And Beyond': Nurses At Hospital In North Shore Get Top Distinction

LAKE FOREST, IL — The American Nurses Credentialing Center recognized a Lake Forest hospital for its high level of nursing excellence and commitment to patient care.

Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital received its fourth Magnet designation and its first Magnet with Distinction designation from ANCC, making it one of only four hospitals in the state to receive the distinction. Only about 10 percent of hospitals in the U.S. are given Magnet designation, and just 23 hospitals in the country have received the "with distinction designation."

“I am proud and honored to work alongside our wonderful nursing teams who demonstrate the deep impact of their nursing professional practice on our Patients First mission through the Magnet with Distinction designation. This honor reflects the collaborative practice that permeates throughout all
members of the interprofessional team to create a caring and healthy environment at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital,” says Karen Mahnke, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, vice president of Operations
and Bernthal Family Chief Nurse Executive at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “Each day, our nurses go above and beyond their day-to-day duties to ensure our patients receive the highest level of care.”

One instance that proves the commitment of nurses at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital includes Liliya Kofman, a nurse in the wound department. One patient came to the hospital with a wound that would not heal properly after years of trying, according to Kofman, so she got to work.

After speaking with the patient's daughter, Kofman researched an anti-biofilm silver dressing that had the potential to help heal the wound and went through the steps to get it tested for efficacy. Within one week of treating the patient's wound, it showed improvement.

The product was eventually added to the formulary and is now an option for future treatment to help wounds heal faster.

"Patient care is our priority,” said Kofman. “If there are new ways to help treat our patients offering stronger results, we will take the necessary steps to see that through. I was pleased to be a part of a
team effort to better serve our patient and am proud that this may help many future patients as well.”

The ANCC Magnet Recognition program distinguishes healthcare organizations that meet standards for nursing excellence. To achieve Magnet recognition, organizations must pass a lengthy process that requires widespread participation from leaders and staff members.

The process includes an electronic application, written documentation with more than 80 unique standards and an on-site visit and a review by the commission on Magnet Recognition.