MEDIA RELEASE: Rancho Los Amigos Earns Magnet® Designation: A Historic Milestone in Nursing Excellence

Downey, CA | October 3, 2025 — Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center is proud to announce it has earned the prestigious Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), placing it among the top hospitals in the nation recognized for nursing excellence, innovation, and superior patient care. 

Fewer than 10 percent of U.S. hospitals achieve Magnet recognition, making this a significant milestone and a powerful testament to the dedication, compassion, and clinical expertise of Rancho’s nursing team. 

“It is with immense pride that Rancho Los Amigos has received the prestigious Magnet recognition,” said Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director of LA Health Services. “This honor not only distinguishes Rancho as a leader in care but also celebrates the dedication of our nurses and staff. It reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in nursing and reaffirms the values at the heart of our mission – providing compassionate, high quality and innovative care to every patient and the communities we serve.” 

“Magnet recognition is a true reflection of the incredible care, skill, and heart our nurses bring to Rancho every day,” said Konita Wilks, CEO of Rancho Los Amigos. “It’s an honor that belongs to every member of our nursing team and the entire Rancho community, who work together to restore health, rebuild lives, and revitalize hope.” 

This achievement comes as Rancho Los Amigos is also recognized among the Top 25 Rehabilitation Hospitals in the nation, ranked #23 in the U.S. and #2 in California by the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report. This further affirms its national leadership in patient care and innovation. 

The Magnet designation is considered the gold standard in nursing and organizational excellence. It follows a rigorous appraisal of leadership, professional practice, innovation, and patient outcomes. 

“This recognition reflects the strength, resilience, and excellence of our nursing team,” said Michelle Sterling, Chief Nursing Officer at Rancho Los Amigos. “It’s a proud moment that highlights our shared commitment to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that transforms lives.” 

As part of its Journey to Magnet®, Rancho Los Amigos strengthened nurse leadership, expanded professional growth opportunities, and improved care through research, quality initiatives, and evidence-based practices, all while continuing to serve thousands of patients each year, many from historically under-resourced communities. 

“This designation comes with a promise to our patients that no matter the circumstances we’re going to be here for them, to provide the best care that we can because that is what they deserve,” said Angie Lopez, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Magnet Program Director.  

This recognition strengthens Rancho’s ability to attract and retain top nursing talent and reinforces its leadership in rehabilitation and public health innovation across Los Angeles County. 

Magnet® status is more than a badge of honor. It reflects Rancho’s unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, compassionate care, and continuous innovation. As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead with pride and determination to continue setting the standard for rehabilitation care, both locally and nationally. 

 
About Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center 

Rancho Los Amigos is a premiere facility in the country, providing care to approximately 4,000 inpatients and 80,000 outpatients annually, making it one of the largest rehabilitation centers in the nation. As the only rehabilitation hospital in Los Angeles County’s Department of Health Services, Rancho plays a unique and vital role in patient recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration. The hospital specializes in brain, neurology, orthopedic, pediatric, spine injury, and stroke rehabilitation. Rancho Los Amigos is also recognized among the Top 25 Rehabilitation Hospitals in the nation, ranked #23 in the U.S. and #2 in California by the 2025–26 U.S. News & World Report. 

Recognized as an innovator and premier provider of rehabilitation and acute medical and surgical services for more than 125 years, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center sets the standard for rehabilitation care. For additional information, please visit our website at www.rancho.org. 

 
About the Magnet Recognition Program 

The Magnet Recognition Program®, administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recognizes healthcare organizations for quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practice. Fewer than 10% of U.S. hospitals have achieved Magnet status. It is considered the highest national honor in nursing.    

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