BANGOR, ME—The Acadia Hospital has joined only two percent of the nation's hospitals in being re-designated as a Magnet Hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® for excellence in nursing services. Nationally, only five percent of all hospitals are designated as a Magnet hospital and of those only two percent have earned the more difficult re-designation. "The Magnet designation is a tangible sign of the quality care being provided at Acadia Hospital," Observed Acadia President and Chief Executive Officer David Proffitt, PhD. "I am excited to work here at a time when patient care and safety are being taken to new levels of excellence." Additionally, Acadia Hospital remains the only psychiatric hospital with Magnet status.

"We are thrilled to learn of our re-designation, this is a direct reflection on the quality and dedication of our nursing staff and all of our employees," commented Acadia Chief Nursing Officer April Giard, APRN. "To earn Magnet status once is a tremendous accomplishment and a great source of pride. To retain Magnet status for another four years really underscores the commitment of our entire staff to continually strive harder each day to meet the healthcare needs of the people we serve."

According to the ANCC, the leading nursing credentialing organization in the United States, Magnet designation is widely accepted as the gold standard of patient care. The Magnet Recognition Program recognizes excellence and professionalism in nursing. Applicants undergo an extensive evaluation, and members who are awarded Magnet status must continue to maintain rigorous standards as part of their four-year designation. To reapply for and receive Magnet status for an additional four years is confirmation of the hospital's resolve to deliver the highest level of care in nursing today. Research shows that Magnet hospitals are more effective at attracting and keeping quality nurses.

"By achieving Magnet status The Acadia Hospital continues to be a national leader in psychiatric and chemical dependency services," stated Giard. "Organizations will continue to look to us for guidance, and the most qualified mental health and substance abuse treatment providers will be attracted to our employment opportunities. This, in turn, ensures our patients will continue to receive quality psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment services right here in Maine."

The Acadia Hospital is a private, non-profit psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment provider. As a member of EMHS, Acadia works with its affiliated organizations to ensure the highest quality care is available to all who need it. Go to http://www.acadiahospital.org/ for more hospital information.