One of the simplest and most meaningful benchmarks for hospitals today is Magnet designation. In 1981, during a serious shortage of nurses, a study was commissioned by the American Academy of Nursing to identify hospitals with the best nursing practices in the country. The term “Magnet” was adopted to describe these select hospitals, because they acted as magnets in attracting and retaining outstanding nurses. Since that time, the American Nurses Credentialing Center has formally recognized only 289 hospitals across the country for meeting the rigorous standards required in achieving this prestigious award.

Mercy Medical Center received Magnet status in November 2004 and became the 134th hospital in the country and the second of only two hospitals in Iowa to receive the designation to date.