The
Adult Intensive Care Unit (AICU) at Woman’s Hospital recently received a Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
The Beacon Award recognizes intensive care units for excellence in professional practice, patient care and patient outcomes. Beacon-designated units also meet the following criteria:
- Unit leaders foster a positive and supportive work environment with greater collaboration between colleagues and leaders, higher morale and lower turnover.
- Staffing is appropriate for patient census and acuity.
- Staff communicates effectively, shares knowledge and continues to develop through education and training.
- Patient care practices and processes are based on continual assessments, innovations and improvements.
- Patient outcomes meet or exceed quality standards based on proven indicators of excellence.
“The Beacon Award for Excellence signifies our commitment to exceptional care for our patients and their families,” said Jacey Norris, nurse manager of Woman’s AICU. “Every member of our AICU team works diligently to provide safe, evidence-based care to ensure the best outcomes, and this award is a reflection of that goal.”
The award, which lasts for three years, includes Gold, Silver and Bronze levels so hospitals can track performance over time. Woman’s four-bed AICU earned the Silver level, which signifies continuous learning and effective systems to achieve optimal patient care.
Woman’s AICU is currently the only Beacon Award for Excellence recipient in Louisiana. The unit will be recognized for this achievement at the National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition in Houston, Texas in May.