LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — UMC has become the first and only hospital in Nevada to achieve Magnet recognition, a prestigious honor awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

The announcement was made via videoconference to UMC's leadership and nursing teams, followed by a celebratory sparkling apple cider toast.

Magnet recognition is one of the highest achievements a hospital can receive, with UMC being evaluated on nursing professionalism, teamwork, and excellence in patient care.

Chief Nursing Officer Debra Fox expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating, "I felt like it was imperative that UMC undertake this goal and that we should reflect premier patient care. So to be the one and only Magnet facility in Nevada, we've now put Nevada on the health care map."

UMC now joins an exclusive group of top facilities, as only 10% of hospitals across the U.S. share this achievement.

UMC leadership remains committed to continually improving medical care and patient outcomes in the Las Vegas Valley.

Audrey Johnson, UMC Shared Governance & Magnet Coordinator, explained the significance of the recognition: "What Magnet means is nurse excellence, but it is beyond just nurse excellence - it's collaboration within all the entities of the hospital, how we work together to improve things, how we make our voices heard and how we're seen and things are carried through based off all the recommendations we've made and the research that we've done."