Five times Magnet strong: Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital earns Magnet with Distinction
Nearly two decades after becoming the first independent, community hospital in Virginia to achieve Magnet recognition, Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital has reached another historic milestone, earning its fifth consecutive Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and achieving Magnet with Distinction for the first time.
The designation reflects years of sustained excellence and a culture deeply rooted in collaboration, accountability, and compassionate care. It follows a rigorous review process that included extensive documentation, demonstrated outcomes, and an ANCC site visit that highlighted the strength of nursing practice and interdisciplinary teamwork across the hospital.
ANCC describes Magnet recognition as “the most prestigious distinction a health care organization can receive for nursing excellence and quality patient outcomes,” calling it steadfast proof of a hard-earned commitment to excellence, with nurses at its heart.
“I couldn’t be more proud to serve as CNO alongside such a smart, talented, and innovative team,” said Patricia A. Scherle, vice president and chief nursing officer. “We challenge one another, we grow together, and that’s what allows us to keep learning and improving together. I am truly honored and humbled to work with nurses, leaders, and team members who care so deeply about our patients and our community. This achievement belongs to all of you, and I am grateful beyond words.”
A legacy sustained
SMJH first earned Magnet recognition in 2006, setting a precedent for community hospitals across the Commonwealth. Nearly 20 years later, that same commitment continues to guide how care is delivered every day.
Only 10.2% of hospitals nationwide hold Magnet designation, and just 1.65% have achieved five or more designations. Of the 621 Magnet-recognized hospitals nationwide, only 102 have earned five or more designations, placing SMJH in a rare group of high-performing organizations.
“Our Magnet document isn’t something I just created; it’s the ongoing story of how our team cares for patients and our community every day,” said Melissa Proffitt, manager of professional practice and Magnet Program. “Many of us have deep personal ties to this hospital, and that connection shows in the way we care for people, not just as patients, but as family. To know our community can trust us with the people they love most is incredibly meaningful, and this Magnet recognition reflects the compassion, advocacy, and teamwork that define who we are.”
What Magnet means for our community
While Magnet is rooted in nursing excellence, its impact extends across the entire hospital.
Research shows Magnet-recognized organizations consistently deliver:
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Higher patient satisfaction and communication scores
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Improved patient safety and clinical outcomes
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Lower mortality and failure-to-rescue rates
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Higher nurse engagement and retention
For patients and families, Magnet recognition means receiving care in an environment where collaboration, evidence-based practice, and continuous improvement are part of everyday care.
Magnet with Distinction: a new honor
Introduced by the ANCC in 2023, Magnet with Distinction recognizes organizations that exceed Magnet’s already rigorous performance benchmarks. Achieving this designation underscores SMJH’s leadership among Magnet hospitals nationwide.
“This milestone honors our Caring Tradition and reflects our mission to improve health every day,” Scherle added. “It belongs to every team member who contributes to the care and experience of our patients.”
SMJH’s fifth consecutive Magnet designation, and first Magnet with Distinction, marks not just a moment of recognition, but the continuation of a legacy built on excellence, teamwork, and service to its community.