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Continuing Journey
Even with the success of Magnet designation, Shoemaker knows the day after the honor was the first step in a whole new journey. It's a perpetual cycle of improvement that never really ends.
"Magnet is an ongoing journey. We know that when it comes time to renew our designation, we have to be even better than we are today," Shoemaker insisted. "So the time to start preparing for your renewal is the day after you receive your designation."
The Strongest Connection
No one remains unchanged throughout the Magnet journey. The tempers that were tested and nerves that were rattled seem to coalesce into a realization that those involved were tougher than they thought, smarter than they knew and closer than they imagined. It's a powerful kind of energy that attracts the most important players in the Magnet journey: the community.
"Whether they fully grasp the profound nature of what it means to be Magnet isn't as important as what they feel when they interact with our nursing staff - how it's changed us," Shoemaker said. "That's when they'll experience how it makes us different and that makes all the difference to us." n
Luke Cowles is senior regional editor at ADVANCE.
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