Ten Tips for Writing to the 2023 Magnet® Manual: A Guide for Nursing Leaders and Writing Teams
As of 2024, all organizations pursuing Magnet® designation must align their submissions with the 2023 ANCC Magnet® Application Manual. Across the world, nursing leaders and writing teams are engaged in the rewarding work of translating best practices into narrative.
The 2023 standards present a powerful opportunity, not just to meet criteria, but to strategically showcase the value of nursing across every care setting. This is your organization’s first formal introduction to Magnet® Appraisers. It’s the moment to illuminate the impact of nursing excellence, elevate the value of point-of-care nurses’ input into practice, articulate the importance of nurses driving quality, safety, innovation, and outcomes for patients, families, and communities, and document the importance of strong visionary nursing leadership.
The Magnet® document is not just a recording of excellence, it’s a celebration. It’s your chance to own and share the extraordinary work your teams do every day.
Recognize excellence. Tell your story. Lead with pride.
1. Start with Clarity: Know What the Source of Evidence (SOE) is Asking
Break down each Source of Evidence (SOE): Does it require an outcome, or does it require evidence? Empirical outcome (EO) examples require improved outcomes with quantitative data and two evidence-based references in APA format. Non-Empirical outcomes require validated structures and processes that illustrate operational excellence.
2. Write with Strategic Precision
Respond only to what the standard is asking. Avoid telling them more than what they asked for in the Source of Evidence (SOE). Use clear, direct language. Keep it positive. Dot point formats can help maintain focus—especially for Empirical outcome (EO) submissions where clarity and structure matter.
3. Echo the Language of the Source of Evidence
Align your language with the wording of the manual. This makes it easier for appraisers to recognize that you’ve answered the standard directly and thoroughly.
4. Leverage Analyst Tips Within the Manual
The 2023 manual provides ANCC analyst guidance embedded within many Sources of Evidence (SOEs). They provide guidance and offer insight into expectations and eliminate ambiguity.
5. Explain Acronyms
Define every acronym and abbreviation on first use. What’s obvious internally may be unclear to appraisers. Ensure universal clarity to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.
6. Follow the Empirical outcome (EO) Graphing Formula Without Exception
For Empirical outcomes (EOs), include:
- Background
- Pre-intervention
- Goal statement
- Participation table
- An implementation period
- Outcome
- At least three post-intervention data points
- Graph titles must match goal statements, and benchmarks must be clearly identified. Your outcome is your evidence provided in your graph
7. Honor Structural Empowerment Requirements
SE3, SE5, and SE7 ask for action plans related to BSN and certification rates—at both the organization and unit/divisional levels. No additional evidence is required, but the action plan must be data-driven and achievable.
8. Prioritize Retention Metrics in EP12EO
Retention is a major focus in the 2023 manual. Define a baseline turnover goal, then demonstrate progress year-over-year with intentional, outcome-based strategies. It’s not just about data, it’s about story, accountability, and impact.
9. Keep Ambulatory Requirements Top of Mind
The 2023 manual expects ambulatory exemplars across various standards. Include examples from perioperative, ED, clinics, and procedural areas. If nursing touches patients outside the inpatient setting—it counts.
10. Commit to keeping abreast of correspondence from ANCC
The Magnet® manual is a living document. Check the ANCC website regularly for updates and FAQs—at least every two months. The most current guidance ensures accuracy and guards against outdated assumptions.
Final Thought
The Magnet® journey is so much more than document writing. It’s about celebrating and elevating nursing excellence.
Be bold. Be accurate. Be proud.
The story you tell is not just for appraisers. It reflects the impact your nurses have every day.
Want more support for your Magnet® journey?
Explore CHCM’s resources, webinars, and consulting services designed to help organizations excel with the 2023 Magnet® Manual.
Learn more and take the next step toward a stronger, more compelling submission.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes a Magnet® narrative compelling to appraisers?
A compelling Magnet® narrative is clear, concise, and directly aligned to the Source of Evidence. Appraisers look for structured storytelling that connects nursing actions to measurable outcomes, reflects alignment with the 2023 manual, and showcases the impact of nursing practice across settings.
How do we know if our empirical outcome (EO) examples meet Magnet® expectations?
EO examples meet Magnet® standards when they include all required elements: background, baseline, goal statement, participation table, implementation period, outcome description, three post-intervention data points, and a clearly labeled graph aligned to the goal. Graph titles, benchmarks, and data clarity must directly match the standard to avoid misinterpretation and ensure reviewers can quickly evaluate the impact. A frequent request for additional documentation occurs when a writer submits a goal that reflects a process measure, rather than the required outcome measure, which prevents the EO from demonstrating true impact.
MAGNET®, Magnet Recognition Program®, ANCC Magnet Recognition®, Journey to Magnet Excellence®, Pathway to Excellence® Program, Pathway to Excellence in Long Term Care®, Demographic Data Collection Tool®, DDCT®, Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP) are registered trademarks of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The products and services of Creative Health Care Management are neither sponsored nor endorsed by ANCC. All rights reserved. The content presented in here is the expressed opinion of the author/presenter and not that of the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
Marky has expertise in aligning people and processes, identifying emerging issues, and assessing the effectiveness of organizational interventions. The result: enduring measurable improvement. Marky uses her deep health care experience along with evidence-based practices to co-create a customized improvement plan with clients.