Jan. 27, 2026 — Lee Health is pleased to announce that both Golisano Children’s Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center have received Magnet designations from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This is the highest honor awarded to healthcare organizations for nursing excellence and marks the first time both hospitals have received this recognition.
This incredible achievement signifies Lee Health’s commitment to serving our patients and community with the highest standards and best possible care.
The Magnet Recognition Program identifies healthcare organizations worldwide where nursing leaders, with input from the frontline and nursing at all levels, align their strategic objectives to enhance patient outcomes. This voluntary credential is regarded as the highest standard of nursing excellence, recognizing organizations dedicated to maintaining the highest level of excellence in nursing care, patient outcomes, integrated multi-disciplinary collaboration and innovative approaches.
Golisano Children’s Hospital had 18 exemplars, joining an elite group of less than 1% of U.S. hospitals recognized as Magnet with Distinction®. This additional acknowledgement represents a superior level of recognition, awarded to a select few Magnet-designated hospitals.
HealthPark Medical Center earned four exemplars, is one of only twenty adult Magnet hospitals in Florida, and joins both the global community of Magnet-recognized organizations, and an elite top 10% of hospitals nationwide that are Magnet designated.
“Our teams are deeply committed to providing safe, high-quality care to our Southwest Florida community every day,” said Chief Nursing Officer for Lee Health Jennifer Higgins. “This Magnet designation is something our entire community can be proud of, and I am incredibly excited and honored to recognize our staff for achieving it. For healthcare professionals, Magnet Recognition represents education, growth and opportunity at every stage of their careers. To our patients, it means receiving the very best care delivered by highly skilled nurses who are empowered, supported and inspired to provide the highest quality of care to the communities they serve.”
According to the ANCC, Magnet-designated organizations provide numerous advantages, such as delivering high-quality and safer care, which results in lower mortality rates, fewer patient falls, decreased hospital-acquired infections, and higher patient satisfaction. They also foster an excellent work environment where nurses at all levels feel empowered, supported and encouraged to develop professionally. Additionally, these organizations commit to the highest nursing standards, continuous professional development, and the integration of nursing expertise with interdisciplinary collaboration into decision-making processes. This approach helps attract and retain a dedicated and experienced team of highly skilled nurses and healthcare professionals.
To earn this recognition, organizations must demonstrate excellence across every element of the Magnet framework, including visionary leadership and nurse empowerment, outstanding evidence-based professional practice, ongoing professional development, strong collaboration between healthcare disciplines, continuous improvement and innovation, nursing research and measurable outcomes that consistently outperform national benchmarks
To learn more ANCC and the Magnet Recognition Program, please visit https://www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/magnet.
About Lee Health
Lee Health has been a cornerstone of health care in Southwest Florida since opening its first hospital in 1916. As a non-profit, integrated health system, Lee Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. With a strong commitment to community health and wellness, Lee Health commits to evolving with the growing and changing needs of the region. The system offers comprehensive services through four acute care hospitals, Golisano Children’s Hospital, three skilled nursing locations, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and a wide network of primary care and specialty practices. Lee Health supports every step of the health journey, from preventive care to advanced treatment for every member of our community. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
