Syracuse, NY — Upstate University Hospital is the only Central New York hospital to earn Magnet recognition from the the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Magnet status is a signal to the profession that the group representing nurses believes Upstate provides high-quality nursing and patient care. About 10% of U.S. hospitals earn Magnet status, which can help with recruiting and keeping talent.
Upstate first earned Magnet recognition in 2021 and kept its designation after a renewal process in 2025.
Initiatives like the Meds to Beds pharmacy program, a food bank for patients and a Hospital at Home program were cited in renewing Upstate’s Magnet recognition, according to a hospital news release.
“We celebrate this achievement with deep gratitude for the hard work of our entire health care team,” said Upstate University Hospital CEO Dr. Robert Corona in the release.
The credentialing center grew out of the American Nurses Association, which represents registered nurses.
There are 51 Magnet hospitals across New York State, including seven in the Rochester area and three in the Capital region.
Only Upstate has earned recognition in Central New York. There are no Magnet hospitals in the North Country or Southern Tier. The closest Magnet institutions outside Syracuse are in Cooperstown and Canandaigua.
St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center was the first Syracuse hospital to receive Magnet recognition in 2002, but its designation has lapsed in recent years.
St. Joe’s officials said they are working toward trying to bring Magnet recognition back.
“We are actively conducting a comprehensive gap analysis to better understand and align our nursing strategic plan with Magnet principles,” said Julie Moore, St. Joe’s chief nursing officer. “This work is an important step toward strengthening our nursing excellence and preparing for a future application when the timing is right.”