While Carle staff experience major benefits as part of a Magnet health system, perhaps those who receive the most impact is the community it serves. One community member who has seen Carle’s entire Magnet journey unfold is Donna Greene.
As a former Carle Foundation Board of Trustees member she was part of the initial designation site visit in 2009, and has served in the community member luncheon ever since.
“Carle has had major accomplishments over the years, and the Magnet designation is important evidence of that,” she said.
Greene is a true humanitarian, donating her time and talents to support several worthy causes in the region. Even through her many board positions, gala committees and volunteer hours, she has always found a way to stay involved at Carle. She understands the significance of offering a strong health option for the community.
“Great healthcare makes our community much more attractive for businesses and the University to grow and thrive,” Greene said. “Carle also becomes a safety net for those who want their healthcare delivered in a more local environment, but have the depth of nursing excellence and specialties available at a top-notch facility.”
When asked to participate in the third site visit for Carle, she was happy to contribute her perspective. At Magnet site visit community luncheons, the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is the Magnet governing body, speaks directly with health organization community leaders about how they’ve supported priority areas as part of their larger evaluation.
“I appreciate the opportunity to speak with the appraisers, first as a trustee and later as an interested community member, who believes that Carle is an outstanding health care system that I feel fortunate to be associated with, and where my family and friends can expect high quality care,” Greene said.
With the successful third designation obtained in 2019, the health system has three years before they will submit another application to maintain their status. But the work to extend Carle’s solid foundation of shared governance, evidenced-based practice and empathetic care will build throughout that time.
“The Magnet designation is evidence of quality and best practices, and allows for a healthier environment for care,” Greene said.
It’s with the help of community members like Greene that Carle is able to better tell their nursing story. She’ll likely again be at the top of the list when the time comes for the fourth Magnet site visit.