Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital has received a new accolade through the efforts of its nursing staff.
In March, LFH received its first Magnet with Distinction designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and its fourth Magnet award from the group. These recognitions honor health organizations achieving the highest level of nursing excellence, according to a LFH statement.
“I am proud and honored to work alongside our wonderful nursing teams who demonstrate the deep impact of their nursing professional practice on our Patients First mission through the Magnet with Distinction designation. This honor reflects the collaborative practice that permeates throughout all members of the interprofessional team to create a caring and healthy environment at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital,” LFH Chief Nursing Executive Karen Mahnke said in a statement. “Each day, our nurses go above and beyond their day-to-day duties to ensure our patients receive the highest level of care.”
Hospital officials used the example of the efforts Liliya Kofman, a nurse for almost eight years as one example of why LFH received the honor.
Kofman, who works in the hospital’s wound department, wanted to try a new course on one patient’s injury caused by venous ulcers that stubbornly refused to heal despite years of attempts.
After consulting with the patient’s daughter, Kofman explored an anti-biofilm silver dressing she had recently discovered was a possible new treatment. She embarked on the process to have the dressing tested for efficacy and later supplied it to the patient.
Within a week, the wound was healing and is now another potential way to treat other hospital patients.
“Patient care is our priority,” Kofman said in the statement. “If there are new ways to help treat our patients offering stronger results, we will take the necessary steps to see that through. I was pleased to be a part of a team effort to better serve our patients and am proud that this may help many future patients as well.”
LFH was one of 23 U.S. health organizations receiving the ANCC “with distinction” designation, according to the hospital.
A spokeswoman noted the hospital currently employs 720 nurses.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
