19 Hospital Units Receive AACN Be...( Units Recognized for C...),Health

Units Recognized for Critical Care Excellence

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., April 1, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) announces that 19 units from 15 hospitals in 14 states have received the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence, an award that is increasingly linked to patient safety initiatives.

Each unit has been recognized for exhibiting the highest quality standards in nurse recruitment and retention, patient outcomes, staff training, healthy work environments, leadership and evidence-based practice and research. Criteria for receiving a Beacon Award include:

-- Recognized excellence in the intensive care environments in which

nurses work and critically ill patients are cared for;

-- Recognized excellence of the highest quality measures, processes,

structures and outcomes based upon evidence;

-- Recognized excellence in collaboration, communication and partnerships

that support the value of healing and humane environments;

-- Developing a program that contributes to actualization of AACN's

mission, vision and values.

Studies show that units achieving Beacon Award status rate higher on key indicators related to nursing satisfaction, quality of care, leadership and work environment. In addition, this award allows units to measure their systems, outcomes and environment against evidence-based criteria.

"The commitment to high-quality standards and dedication to exceptional care of patients and their families have brought clear, valuable recognition to these units and institutions," said AACN President Dave Hanson, RN, MSN, CCRN, CNS. "Earning a Beacon Award sends a clear message that these units are providing exceptional care and that their commitment to evidence-based practice is unwavering. They have set examples that serve as beacons for other hospitals and healthcare facilities to use in navigating the rough wa
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