Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) has been awarded the prestigious Magnet certification by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, an honor distinguishing it among the top tier of hospitals nationwide.
During a recent interview with Potomac Local News, Jeff Joyner, President of SNVMC, and Christy Grabus, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer, they discussed the significance of this recognition. “Magnet certification is not an easy designation to obtain. It involves a rigorous, multi-year process emphasizing a commitment to nursing excellence and the highest quality of care,” explained Grabus.
The certification process typically spans about five years for first-time applicants and includes extensive data submissions and a comprehensive site visit. “It sets the stage to ensure that nurses have a voice in decision-making at the point of care,” Grabus added, highlighting the hospital’s democratic approach to staff involvement through multiple councils and teams.
Joyner emphasized the direct benefits to the community, stating, “Achieving Magnet status is not only about internal recognition but also impacts how we recruit top talent and improve patient care.” He noted that Magnet facilities attract professionals who are looking for a supportive and innovative working environment.
The hospital’s efforts to achieve this status were driven by a desire to enhance care quality and nurse satisfaction. “Our nursing team is integral, standing side by side with our patients every day, making their voices pivotal in our operations and community outreach,” Joyner said.
SNVMC’s Magnet recognition places it among the less than 10% of hospitals in the United States to hold this credential, underscoring its commitment to superior care and professional nursing practice. As part of the Sentara Healthcare system, which includes 10 hospitals with Magnet status, SNVMC continues to lead in setting standards for patient care and nursing excellence across the region.
The hospital has implemented a robust shared governance structure that includes the formation of six distinct councils, which have evolved from an initial two. These councils, along with several specialized teams, play a pivotal role in shaping patient care strategies and operational policies. “These councils and teams allow for a flow of ideas and ensure that everyone’s voice can be heard, from the ground level to system-wide initiatives,” Grabus stated.
A Prince William County Fire Marshal attributes a townhouse fire in Woodbridge to improper propane grill use. The damage was limited to the home’s exterior, and the Red Cross assisted displaced residents.
Press release:
Townhouse Fire
Monday, August 26, 2024
9:02 AM
This morning units were dispatched to the 1600 blk of Devil Lane (Woodbridge) for a caller reporting their fence was on a fire. Crews arrived quickly and located a fire to the rear of a townhome threatening an adjoining unit. The fire was extinguished limiting damage primarily to the exterior of the homes and the surrounding deck and fence. No injuries were reported. The Building Official did declare one of the homes unsafe to occupy requiring the Red Cross to assist two (2) adults and one (1) child. The Fire Marshal’s office determined the improper use of a propane grill igniting combustibles next to it caused the fire.
The Fire Marshal’s Office reminds everyone to use grills as they are designed to operate. Use only recommended fuels for the type of grill being utilized. All grills should be kept a minimum of 10-15 feet away from your home or other combustible materials. Enjoy the grill but use it safely.
Welcome to a new Potomac Local News series, "Meet the Principal." With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it's important to get to know the folks in their new roles.
Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.
Today, get to know Edward Schultz, the principal of Gainesville Middle School. Schultz has spent more than 20 years in the classroom and was assistant principal before his promotion to principal at GMS. He's been with PWCS since 2012.
Why Prince William County, and why Gainesville Middle School?
Schultz: I've been a part of Prince William County Public Schools since 2012, serving as a teacher, football coach, assistant principal and now principal. Moving from New York, where I previously taught, I was drawn to PWCS by the Gainesville community and the high achievement of the schools. Over the years, the division's commitment to growing and supporting its staff has kept me here. As a parent with children in Prince William County Public Schools, I’ve seen firsthand the quality of education and the positive impact our division has on our students.Gainesville Middle School is especially meaningful to me, as it’s not just where I work: it’s my community. I live in Gainesville, and my children will one day walk these halls with me. Having served as assistant principal here before becoming principal in March, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the school’s strengths and potential up close. It’s an honor to lead this school community, which is truly home for me and my family.
How will you bring your experience to your new role as principal in PWCS?
Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the belief that no student should ever fall through the cracks. My years as a teacher taught me the importance of meeting each student where they are, keeping the bar raised high for all of our students, and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed. With more than 20 years in the classroom, I’ve seen the challenges and triumphs that both students and teachers face daily. These experiences have shaped my approach to leadership — one that is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a relentless focus on student success. Being at Gainesville Middle School as assistant principal before stepping into the principal role has also given me a deep understanding of our school community and its unique needs and strengths, which I’m committed to working through in partnership with our families, students, staff, and division leaders.
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On Labor Day, September 2, 2024, the 95 Express Lanes will operate northbound all day, with the regular reversal schedule resuming on Tuesday, September 3, including the end of the summer schedule and the start of the regular reversal times.
Press release:
Please be advised of upcoming changes to the 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule:
On Labor Day—Monday, September 2, 2024—the 95 Express Lanes will operate northbound all day. Regular reversal schedule will resume on Tuesday, September 3.
Beginning Tuesday, September 3, the summer reversal schedule will end, and the regular reversal schedule will begin:
- 11 a.m.: North to south reversal begins
1 p.m.: 95 Express Lanes open southbound - 1 a.m.: South to north reversal begins
3 a.m.: 95 Express Lanes open northbound
From Prince William police:
The Prince William County Police Department will host a community fair on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, to celebrate the county’s diversity, to embrace unity among the various communities in the county and showcase the many facets of police work in the county with displays, fun activities, appointments with a recruiter, pet adoptions and much more.
The event is from noon to 4 p.m. at the Sean
Connaughton Plaza, 1 County Complex Court,
Woodbridge, VA 22192. County residents are
cordially invited to the community fair, which also
will feature displays from numerous County public
safety agencies and other County government
organizations, live music and food trucks.
Background investigators and recruiters will be
present to speak to anyone interested in a career as a police officer. The Department is committed to a diverse workforce and encourages all interested applicants to contact the Prince William County Police Personnel Bureau at (703) 792-6580 or visit the Department’s recruiting website at www.joinpwcpd.org.
Woodbridge District Supervisor Margaret Franklin led the groundbreaking ceremony today for the new segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail at Featherstone Wildlife Refuge. Addressing community members and representatives from various agencies, Franklin emphasized the significance of this project in enhancing local recreation and connectivity.
Franklin highlighted the collaborative efforts that made this new trail segment possible, involving Virginia Railway Express, the Virignia Department of Transportation, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “This project represents the strong collaboration efforts for which our community is known,” Franklin said. She outlined the trail’s features, including approximately one mile of natural surface trails, 1,100 linear feet of wetland boardwalk, and two pedestrian bridges that navigate delicate ecosystems.
The construction, with a budget of $3.5 million, includes funds from ARPA, development proffers, and the NVTA. Franklin expressed pride in the county’s commitment to expanding the trail network and meeting the high demand for recreational trails among residents. “I look forward to returning to its grand opening,” she added, underscoring the community’s anticipation for the completed trail.
The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail within Prince William County aims to link several parks and historic sites across 20 miles, enhancing the county’s identity as a destination for outdoor activities. This segment will connect Leesylvania State Park to Belmont Bay, further integrating the county’s scenic and wildlife areas into the broader trail network.
The trail stretches from the mouth of the Potomac River at the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia to the Allegheny Highlands in Pennsylvania and became part of the National Scenic Trail system of the National Park Service in 1983.
More from Prince William County Public Schools:
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recently published the Standards of Learning (SOL) scores for the 2023-24 school year, covering all school divisions across Virginia. The data revealed that PWCS’ SOL scores improved across all subjects, including reading and writing, math and science, and history and social sciences, surpassing the state’s scores in nearly every category.
“Prince William County Public Schools is excited and encouraged by the VDOE’s report on our students’ SOL pass rates. We are seeing notable improvements in every subject, and it’s clear that our teachers are delivering in the classroom and our students are setting a new standard of excellence,” said PWCS Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya D. McDade.
In the 2023-24 school year, students scored 76% in reading. This is 3% higher than the state average and 1% better than the previous year. Students scored 79% in writing, 3% higher than the state average and an 8% increase from the 2022-23 school year. In history and social sciences, students scored 71%, 6% higher than the state average and 1% higher than the year prior. Students scored 73% in math, 2% higher than both the state average and the year prior. Lastly, students scored 68% in science, which is 2% higher than the 2022-23 school year.
“I am thrilled that our school division has improved in all categories. My number one commitment to our community has been improved academic success. We are achieving this by all metrics. We have improved test scores while improving our (preliminary) graduation rate to a record high of 94.3%, reducing chronic absenteeism, having our students win record scholarship dollars, and achieving incredible athletic and extracurricular success,” said Prince William County School Chairman At-Large Dr. Babur Lateef.
“This has been a holistic effort led by Superintendent Dr. LaTanya McDade and her team. It is holistic in that we have our teachers, students, families, and staff all working towards one goal. While we do have more work to do, we can take a moment to be proud of these incredible achievements.”
Officers responded to a stabbing at Elevations One Apartments in Woodbridge, where a 33-year-old woman was stabbed in the arm while attempting to intervene in a fight between two women, resulting in non-life-threatening injuries.
From Prince William police:
Stabbing Investigation – On August 22 at 9:59AM, officers responded to the Elevations One Apartments located in the 10400 block of Bellona Rd. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 33-year-old woman, attempted to intervene in a physical fight between two unknown women. During the encounter, the victim was stabbed in the arm by one of the women before the parties separated. The victim was treated at an area hospital for a non-life threatening injury where police were contacted. The suspects were described as black females, approximately 5’8”, with small builds.
Officers responded to an armed robbery at Castro Bakery on Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge where an unidentified man implied he had a weapon, stole money from the register, and fled; no weapon was seen, and no injuries were reported.
Press release:
Armed Robbery — On August 21 at 3:42PM, officers responded to Castro Bakery located at 14556 Potomac Mills Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed an unknown man entered the bakery and implied he had a weapon before walking behind the service counter. The employees ran out of the store and contacted the police. The suspect took money from the cash register before leaving the business. No weapon was seen, and no injuries were reported.
Suspect Description:
A man, approximately 5’7”, with a medium build, with light brown hair
Last seen wearing a green “Jets” baseball-style cap, a white/black/orange jacket, dark-colored pants,
blue gloves, and black shoes
