Published: August 19, 2026
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Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital has earned Magnet Recognition with Distinction from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the highest honor a healthcare organization can achieve for nursing excellence. The hospital is the only in Kentucky to hold this designation.
According to the ANCC, Magnet with Distinction indicates the hospital has the highest level of nursing excellence and has scores higher than those needed for Magnet designation.
“For patients and families, Magnet Recognition with Distinction provides an additional indication that the hospital has demonstrated a commitment to evidence-based nursing practice and high-quality care,” said Charlotte Ipsan, DNP, RNC, NNP-BC, senior vice president, chief hospital officer and interim chief nursing officer. “It recognizes an environment that supports professional practice, nursing leadership, development and having a voice in decisions that affect patient care.”
The nearly two-year process to receive Magnet Recognition includes an extensive review of organizational documentation followed by an appraisal with a site visit by experienced nursing professionals.
“Our nurses throughout the hospital are involved in many areas in a single day, from bedside care and clinical practice to professional development and quality improvement,” said Angie Banet, DNP, R.N., NE-BC, chief nursing officer, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital. “We’re excited that this designation recognizes the quality work they do in caring for patients and families.”
Research has found Magnet hospitals generally have stronger nursing work environments and lower rates of nurse burnout, job dissatisfaction and turnover, along with better outcomes in several areas of patient care.
The Magnet model focuses on transformational leadership; structural empowerment; exemplary professional practice; new knowledge, innovations and improvements; and empirical outcomes. These principles are reflected in the way nurses work together, advocate for patients and families, and continuously look for ways to improve care.
While the ANCC’s Magnet Recognition Program centers on nursing, achieving the designation is a hospital wide accomplishment. Physicians, clinical teams, leaders and support teams all contribute to the environment in which exceptional patient care happens.
Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is the first hospital in the Norton Healthcare system to complete the current Magnet Recognition process. Across Norton Healthcare and Norton Children’s, nurses are guided by the principles of the Magnet model for nursing excellence, and other hospitals are in various stages of working toward Magnet Recognition.
At Norton Healthcare, a not-for-profit organization, nursing education and advancement at its hospitals receive support from the Norton Healthcare Foundation thanks to the generosity of the community.