October 22, 2026
Irvine Medical Center achieves Magnet with Distinction
Among only 1% of U.S. hospitals to earn Magnet with Distinction, Irvine Medical Center sets a new standard for excellence.
Irvine Medical Center staff members celebrate achieving Magnet designation for the third time.
Kaiser Permanente Irvine Medical Center earned its third Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center and its first Magnet with Distinction, the highest honor for nursing excellence. Irvine Medical Center is the first Kaiser Permanente hospital to receive 3 Magnet designations, placing it among an elite group of hospitals across the country recognized for outstanding nursing care.
What Magnet recognition means
Earning Magnet with Distinction status affirms the culture of excellence our nurses have built together and the exceptional care our members and communities can expect every day. Jessica Pangilinan, Chief Nurse Executive, Kaiser Permanente Orange County
Hospitals that earn Magnet status show an unwavering commitment to nursing excellence, exceptional patient care, quality, and safety.
Magnet recognition is earned by approximately 10% of hospitals in the United States. Magnet with Distinction, introduced by ANCC in 2023, is an even higher level of recognition achieved by fewer than 1% of hospitals nationwide.
For patients and their families, Magnet recognition means they can feel confident they are receiving care from highly skilled nurses. For nurses, it shows that the hospital supports their learning, professional growth, and evidence-based practice.
A team achievement
Irvine Medical Center earned this recognition by exhibiting excellence in patient care, nursing practice, innovation, and quality outcomes. During the review process, the medical center received 18 Magnet exemplars, recognizing programs and results that performed above national benchmarks.
Nursing excellence took center stage. Irvine Medical Center celebrated its 3rd Magnet redesignation with a Hollywood-themed event.
“This achievement reflects the extraordinary dedication, expertise, and compassion our nurses bring to every patient interaction,” said Jessica Pangilinan, chief nurse executive for Kaiser Permanente Orange County. “Earning Magnet with Distinction designation affirms the culture of excellence our nurses have built together and the exceptional care our members and communities can expect every day.”
The recognition also highlights the teamwork of nurses, physicians, leaders, and staff across the medical center. Together, they demonstrate a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, professional practice, and continuous improvement.
Learn more about Kaiser Permanente nursing excellence and Magnet recognition.
