Riverside’s Fourth Magnet Recognition Signals Safer, Stronger Care for Patients

Patients receiving care at Riverside Healthcare can feel even more confident in the quality and safety of their experience, as Riverside Medical Center has earned its fourth Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
The recognition places Riverside among a select group of hospitals nationwide known for excellence in nursing and patient care. Fewer than 10% of hospitals in the United States achieve Magnet status, making the designation a strong signal of high standards and consistent results.
For patients, Magnet recognition goes beyond an award. It reflects the kind of care they receive every day, from safer hospital stays to better outcomes and more personalized attention at the bedside.
 

“This achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of Riverside’s nursing team,” said Ellen Bollino, Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Riverside Healthcare. “Earning Magnet designation for the fourth time is a powerful recognition of the compassionate, high-quality care our nurses provide every day. It also reflects our commitment to supporting their growth, leadership, and ability to make a meaningful difference for our patients.” Riverside first earned Magnet designation in 2011, with redesignations in 2016, 2021, and now 2026. Maintaining that level of recognition over time highlights the organization’s ongoing focus on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

At its core, the Magnet Recognition Program is designed to improve patient outcomes. Hospitals that achieve this status invest in nurse education, leadership, and innovation, ensuring care teams are equipped to make informed decisions and respond quickly to patient needs.
That focus translates into real-world benefits. During the evaluation process, Riverside was recognized for several areas that directly impact patient safety and experience, including preventing infections, reducing patient falls, improving access to emergency care, and enhancing behavioral health treatment practices.
“These are the kinds of improvements patients may not always see, but they feel the impact,” said Erika Ohlendorf, Riverside Healthcare Director of Nursing, Magnet Program Director. “It reflects a culture where our nurses feel supported, empowered, and valued, which leads to safer care, stronger outcomes, and a consistently remarkable experience for our patients.”
Hospital leaders also emphasize that while Magnet is a nursing designation, it reflects a broader culture of care throughout the organization.
“This recognition speaks to the culture of caring that exists across Riverside,” said Riverside Healthcare President & CEO, Phil Kambic. “Every team member plays a role in creating an environment where patients feel supported, respected, and confident in the care they receive. We are incredibly proud of our nurses and our entire staff for this achievement.”

For the communities Riverside serves, the designation reinforces a commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality care close to home. It also signals that patients do not need to travel far to receive care that meets national standards for excellence.
As Riverside Healthcare continues to invest in its staff, technology, and services, leaders say the goal remains simple: to provide safe, compassionate, and effective care for every patient, every time.
To learn more about the remarkable care you can receive at Riverside Healthcare, visit riversidehealthcare.org.