Mission Hospital earns Magnet® recognition once again for nursing excellence

Asheville, N.C. — Mission Hospital has once again achieved Magnet® recognition, a prestigious designation that reflects nursing professionalism, teamwork, and the highest standards in patient care. Awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®, this honor distinguishes organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence.

With this credential, HCA Healthcare’s Mission Hospital remains part of an elite group — fewer than 10 percent of hospitals in the United States have earned Magnet recognition. Mission Hospital also holds the distinction of being the only Magnet-recognized hospital in Western North Carolina.

“This recognition is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our nurses and entire care team,” said Greg Lowe, CEO of Mission Health and Mission Hospital. “We are incredibly proud of the team’s continued commitment to excellence in patient care and to upholding the highest standards of nursing. Magnet recognition is a reflection of their passion, professionalism, and teamwork.”

Magnet status must be reevaluated and recertified every four years, requiring hospitals to demonstrate continued adherence to the highest standards and ongoing improvements in patient care and quality outcomes. Mission Hospital first achieved Magnet recognition in 2020, and now, in 2025, the team has proudly achieved recertification.

“Earning Magnet recognition once is a remarkable accomplishment—but achieving it again reaffirms the deep-rooted culture of excellence and collaboration within our hospital,” said Ruth Kain, chief nursing officer, Mission Hospital. “It means our patients can trust they’re receiving world-class care, delivered by the most skilled and compassionate professionals in healthcare.”

The Magnet Recognition Program® is considered the gold standard for nursing excellence and is a mark of distinction for healthcare organizations that value and support their nursing teams. It is more than an award; it is a demonstration of a sustained, evidence-based commitment to quality and outcomes.

Mission Hospital was also recognized by the ANCC with eight exemplars for outstanding work. Exemplars underscore exceptional performance in the various elements of the Magnet model, and the ANCC recognized Mission Hospital with eight total — two for Transformational Leadership, one for Structural Empowerment, and five for Exemplary Professional Practice.

The Magnet Model provides a robust framework for nursing practice, research, and outcome measurement. It evaluates healthcare organizations across multiple dimensions, including quality of nursing leadership, collaboration across specialties, and processes that drive measurable improvements in care delivery.