City of Hope’s Second Magnet Award Signals Elite Nursing Excellence

LOS ANGELES, CA – January 05, 2026 – City of Hope®, a leader in cancer and diabetes research and treatment, has once again secured the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program® designation across its Southern California locations. This marks the organization's second time receiving the highest international honor for nursing excellence, an achievement accomplished by fewer than 10% of hospitals in the United States and a powerful indicator of sustained quality and patient-centered care.

The formal recognition from the ANCC follows a rigorous evaluation of City of Hope’s nursing services, cementing its place among an elite group of global health care institutions. Achieving this distinction not once, but twice, demonstrates a consistent and deeply embedded culture of excellence that directly impacts patient outcomes and the professional environment for its nursing staff.

“Earning a second Magnet designation is an extraordinary achievement that reflects the expertise, compassion and unwavering commitment of our nurses across Southern California,” said Rachel Start, Ph.D., R.N., N.E.A.-B.C., F.A.A.N., Chief Nursing Officer for the National Medical Center. “Our teams continually raise the bar for excellence, advancing our mission and elevating the experience of the patients and families we serve.”

The Gold Standard for Patient Care

Magnet recognition is not merely an award; it is a comprehensive framework for nursing practice built on five core components: transformational leadership; structural empowerment; exemplary professional practice; new knowledge, innovations, and improvements; and empirical quality results. The journey to redesignation, which City of Hope began on April 1, 2025, involved submitting extensive documentation demonstrating superior performance against more than 100 rigorous standards.

Independent research consistently links Magnet-designated hospitals with significant improvements in patient outcomes. Studies have shown these institutions often have lower patient mortality rates, reduced instances of patient falls and hospital-acquired infections, and markedly higher patient satisfaction scores. Patients in Magnet hospitals are more likely to report positive experiences with nurse communication, pain management, and discharge education, underscoring the tangible benefits of a highly qualified and empowered nursing workforce.

City of Hope’s performance was highlighted by the ANCC with 12 “exemplars,” or examples of best-in-class performance. Ten of these were directly linked to empirical outcomes, showcasing exceptional results in areas such as high percentages of nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher, strong nurse-sensitive indicators in ambulatory settings, and high inpatient satisfaction.

Beyond the Clinic Walls: Compassion in Crisis and End-of-Life Care

Among the dozen exemplars, two recognized extraordinary interprofessional efforts that showcase a commitment extending far beyond routine clinical duties. The first, titled “Wildfire Relief – January 2025,” highlighted the swift and comprehensive response of nursing and interprofessional teams during the devastating Southern California wildfires. As the Palisades and Eaton fires ravaged communities, City of Hope teams mobilized to ensure continuity of care for their vulnerable patient population while also providing critical support—including housing assistance and emotional care—to affected staff, patients, and their families. This response demonstrated a profound dedication to community well-being in a time of crisis.

The second standout exemplar, “Care of the Dying Patient,” recognized a clinical nurse-led initiative to strengthen end-of-life care. This program focused on improving symptom management, enhancing communication with families, and providing new resources for caregivers. This initiative builds on the institution’s renowned Department of Supportive Care Medicine, which integrates palliative care to improve the quality of life for patients. By empowering nurses to lead in this delicate and crucial area of medicine, City of Hope reinforces its holistic and compassionate approach to patient care, ensuring dignity and comfort through all stages of illness.

A Magnet for Top Talent

In a health care landscape marked by staffing shortages and high burnout rates, the Magnet designation also serves as a critical differentiator in attracting and retaining top nursing talent. The program’s emphasis on structural empowerment, professional development, and a collaborative work environment creates a culture where nurses can thrive.

City of Hope’s results speak for themselves. In 2023, the clinical nurse turnover rate for its Southern California locations was just under 10%. This figure is dramatically lower than the national average, which soared to 22.5% in the same year, and even surpasses the typical 12-13% turnover rate seen at other Magnet hospitals. This industry-leading retention is fueled by robust investment in professional advancement, including clinical ladder programs, national certification support, a graduate nurse residency, and mentorship opportunities that foster emerging leaders.

“Magnet recognition represents the highest benchmark for nursing excellence, and earning this distinction again is a powerful testament to the culture our nurses create every day,” said Marcel van den Brink, M.D., Ph.D., President of City of Hope Los Angeles and City of Hope National Medical Center. “Their leadership and dedication strengthen every part of our organization and profoundly impact the lives of the people who depend on us.”

By achieving its second Magnet designation, City of Hope not only validates its past achievements but also signals a relentless drive toward future innovation and improvement. This sustained commitment to nursing excellence ensures that patients battling complex diseases like cancer and diabetes receive care that is not only scientifically advanced but also profoundly compassionate. This dual achievement solidifies its standing as a premier destination for both patients seeking world-class treatment and professionals dedicated to the highest standards of care.