The national Magnet Recognition Program® recognizes excellence in nursing, quality patient care and innovation in nursing practice. It was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the nation's largest nursing accrediting and credentialing organization. The program is based on quality indicators and standards of nursing practice, including the assessment of 20 qualitative factors, known as the "forces of magnetism."

A thorough Magnet application process culminates in a site visit by the accrediting body and an ultimate decision. Roswell Park is on track to submit its lengthy application document in February 2010, which will be followed by the site visit. Magnet-designated health care organizations are reviewed yearly and must be re-designated every four years, ensuring that quality standards are maintained. Read more about the Magnet Recognition Program.

Innovation: We are driven to provide care that cures and comforts, research that informs the world, and education that enlightens and enables future generations. We proudly stand on our rich history and use it as a platform from which to embrace discovery and change.

Integrity: We are committed to making each decision, whether related to patient care, research, education or administration, based on standards that are thoughtful, informed, honest, transparent when appropriate and always respectful of privacy.

Teamwork: We value and encourage the viewpoints and constructive opinions of all people and disciplines and recognize that all contributions strengthen the results we achieve, the value we provide, the actions we take and the team we strive to be.

Commitment: We are devoted to achieving extraordinary progress on behalf of those we serve; patients and families who come to us during times of great need, scientists and clinicians who wish to collaborate, students seeking education, the science of cancer that awaits our contributions, and the community that deserves strong stewardship and economic leadership.

Compassion and Respect: We are enriched by the diverse cultures, needs, and expectations of our coworkers and of the communities we serve. It is our privilege and responsibility to appreciate these differences as we establish research goals, develop care plans, and interact with one another.