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2025 Magnet® Redesignation Feedback

The Magnet® designation for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center is the pre-eminent recognition for hospital systems in the United States.

ChristianaCare Health System was designated as a Magnet organization in 2010, 2015, and 2020 by the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® and are now applying for redesignation.

We invite patients, family members, staff, and other interested parties to provide feedback via email or direct mail. For more information, please click here.

Primary Care Services

Using Antibiotics Safely

When and Why? Did you know? Why is this Important? What can you do? Resources

Understanding Antibiotics

Using antibiotics incorrectly has led to antibiotic-resistant germs — here’s what you can do to help.

Antibiotics are being used for many unnecessary conditions and viruses, so bacteria are becoming more antibiotic-resistant.

As a result, these medicines are now less effective, causing patients to need different antibiotics that kill a wider range of bacteria. This can lead to more side effects and higher costs. In some rare cases, there may not be any suitable antibiotics available to treat a particular infection.

Therefore, we must use antibiotics appropriately so we can prevent the development of antibiotic resistant infections.

Did You Know?

80% of Antibiotic Use is Outpatient

Eight out of ten antibiotics are prescribed outside of the hospital, for example in doctor’s offices, urgent care clinics, or emergency departments.

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Many Antibiotics aren't needed

Studies show that one-third or more of people receiving antibiotics do not need them, especially for respiratory infections. That’s because you most likely have a virus. You will feel better just as soon without the antibiotic, and you won’t run the risk of having side effects.

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Reactions to antibiotics are among the most common drugs that cause emergency room visits and are the leading cause of medication-related emergency department visits for children.

Why Is this Important?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that antibiotic-resistant bacteria infect at least 2.5 million people and cause more than 35,000 deaths each year in the United States alone.
Resistance to antibiotics is one of the most serious public health problems in the United States and around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antimicrobial resistance to be one of the top ten threats to global health.
You won’t get any better by taking an antibiotic if a virus is causing your illness. What’s more, you could experience side effects from antibiotic use.
Over-the-counter medicines might control your symptoms more effectively.

What Can You Do?

In 2020, the US Government issued the “National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria” to slow the development of infections due to resistant bacteria by promoting responsible use of antibiotics

To do your part:

Educate yourself. Learn more about conditions that don’t require an antibiotic.
Ask your doctor if you truly need antibiotics.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about over-the-counter treatments that can control your symptoms.
If you do need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed.
See your provider if a condition persists with or without antibiotics.
Stay healthy by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, staying home when you’re sick, and getting appropriate vaccines.