COLUMBIA, S.C. — Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital has once again earned national recognition for excellence in nursing, receiving its second Magnet designation—this time with Distinction—from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Commission on Magnet.
The Magnet with Distinction designation is the highest level of recognition awarded by the ANCC and honors hospitals that consistently deliver exceptional patient care through nursing excellence. Baptist Parkridge is now one of only three hospitals in South Carolina to achieve this elite distinction.
Originally designated as a Magnet hospital in 2020, Baptist Parkridge has now reached a higher benchmark in 2025 with this new designation.
“Magnet recognition is a tremendous honor and reflects our commitment to delivering the highest quality of care to this community,” said Lisa James, DNP, RN, Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Parkridge. “To earn Magnet recognition once was a great accomplishment. To achieve it again—this time with Distinction—is an incredible source of pride for our nurses and entire team.”
The ANCC recognized Baptist Parkridge for 13 exemplars—outstanding achievements noted during the evaluation—including high levels of nurse satisfaction, patient engagement, and patient-centered care. The hospital’s strong collaboration between nurses and physicians also contributed to the honor, with several joint research and quality improvement projects highlighted during the Magnet site visit.
“This designation also strengthens our partnership with physician colleagues,” James added. “We appreciate our physicians and the collaborative effort to ensure patients receive the very best care.”
The Magnet Recognition Program is widely considered the gold standard for nursing excellence, and Magnet designation is a key criterion in U.S. News & World Report’s annual “America’s Best Hospitals” rankings.
The Magnet Model evaluates hospitals on factors such as nursing leadership, interdisciplinary teamwork, innovation in practice, and measurable improvements in patient care.
Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge’s continued commitment to excellence affirms its role as a leader in patient care not only in the Midlands but across South Carolina.
For more information about Baptist Parkridge Hospital or the Magnet Recognition Program, visit www.prismahealth.org.