Magnet status is an award given by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center (ANCC), an affiliate of the American Nurses Association (ANA), to hospitals that meet the criteria of the state of magnet. From the analysis of the history, concepts and theories that guide Magnet status and the reactions to Magnet status by various professionals, it will be seen that the Magnet Recognition Program awards an extremely positive accreditation that enhances the image of nursing , hospital and community. Magnet status began in 1983, when the American Academy of Nursing (AAN) Task Force on Nursing Practice in Hospitals conducted a study of 163 hospitals to identify and describe the variables that created an environment that attracted and retained well-qualified nurses that promoted quality care for patients/residents/clients. Forty-one (41) of the 163 institutions were described as “Magnet” hospitals for their ability to attract and retain professional nurses. The characteristics that appear to distinguish "Magnetic" organizations from others became known as "Forces of Magnetism". In June 1990, based on a recommendation from the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) was established as a separately incorporated nonprofit organization through which ANA offers credentialing programs and services. The initial proposal for Magnet Hospital's Nursing Excellence Program was approved by the ANA Board of Directors in December. The proposal indicated that the program would be based on the 1983 Magnet Hospital study conducted by the AAN. In 1994, after completing a pilot project that included five facilities, the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle became the first ANCC-designated Magnet organization. 19-20. Retrieved from the Advanced Placement Source database. The myth of the Magnet hospital. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://thenurseunchained.com/?p=16Russell, J. (2010, September/October). Journey to the magnet: costs and benefits. Nursing Economic$, 28(5), 340-342. Retrieved from the Advanced Placement Source database. Smith, A. P. (2006, May/June). Paving and Repaving the Road to the Magnet: Part II. Nursing Economic$, 24(3), 156-159. Retrieved from the Advanced Placement Source database. Summers, S. (2008, October 20). http://nursingadvocacy.org/faq/magnet.html. Retrieved from http://nursingadvocacy.org/faq/magnet.htmlWood, D. (2010, September 10). Working conditions for nurses: Does magnet status make a difference? Retrieved from http://www.nursezone.com/Nursing-News-Events/more-news/Working-Conditions-for-Nurses-Does-Magnet-Status-Make-a-Difference_35132.aspx