Bassett Distinguished for Gold Standard in Nursing Excellence

COOPERSTOWN—Last week, Bassett Medical Center achieved Magnet® Recognition for Nursing Excellence, the highest national honor a hospital can attain for nurse satisfaction, patient outcomes and nursing quality. On Wednesday, April 23, officials from the American Nurses Credentialing Center gathered Bassett Medical Center nurses, other caregivers and leaders for a video conference to announce they had earned the distinction. When officials delivered the news, cheers were heard throughout the room as clinical staff celebrated all the hard work that led to this milestone achievement.

According to a press release, with this credential, Bassett Medical Center joins an elite group of approximately 10 percent of U.S. hospitals. The rigorous process involves years of in-depth review, research, and process improvements to demonstrate an organization’s nurses and nursing leaders adhere to stringent principles for quality care, strategic planning, and professional development, officials said.

This included a more than 1,500-page application, public comment period, and an ANCC site visit in February 2025, during which more than 100 employees and community members were interviewed in 70 survey sessions.

“This designation means everything to the nurses at Bassett Medical Center and is truly a testament to their talent, skill, and dedication to excellence,” said Christina Curcio, MSN-RN, chief nursing officer and vice president of nursing at Basset Medical Center. “It’s gratifying to see so many years of hard work by so many people come to fruition. Magnet designation is an indication to patients and the public, as well as current and future Bassett nurses, that Bassett Medical Center meets the most rigorous, evidence-based standards.”