Riverside Healthcare Earns Fourth Magnet® Designation, Recognizing Excellence in Nursing and Patient Care

Riverside Healthcare has earned its fourth Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), placing Riverside Medical Center among an elite group of hospitals worldwide recognized for excellence in nursing and patient care.

“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.”

Widely considered the gold standard for nursing excellence, Magnet designation is awarded to fewer than 10% of hospitals in the United States. Riverside was previously designated in 2011, 2016, and 2021, making this fourth recognition a testament to the organization’s sustained commitment to quality, safety, and exceptional patient outcomes.

The Magnet Recognition Program provides a framework for nursing excellence by aligning nursing strategies with improved patient outcomes. For nurses, it supports education, professional development, and greater autonomy at the bedside. For patients, it means receiving care from highly skilled nurses who are empowered to deliver the best possible outcomes.

As part of the rigorous designation process, Riverside received five exemplars highlighting outstanding performance and innovation:

Preventing infections from catheters across all inpatient units

• Preventing serious bloodstream infections related to IV lines across all inpatient units
• Reducing patient falls with injury in ambulatory settings
• Improving emergency department access, with fewer patients leaving before being seen
• Advancing safer, more effective approaches to behavioral health care and medication use

While Magnet is a nursing distinction, Riverside leaders emphasize that it reflects the strength of the entire 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.”

Magnet designation recognizes not only nursing excellence, but also a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Riverside Healthcare continues to invest in its people, programs, and technology to ensure patients across Kankakee and surrounding communities receive remarkable care, right where they live.