by Matt Batcheldor
The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) has awarded the Bronze Level Beacon Award to the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The award is given to nursing units that distinguish themselves by excellence and a commitment to improve patient care.
The PCICU was recognized for superior performance in the categories of leadership, staff engagement, communication, continuous learning, evidence-based practice and patient outcomes.
“I am extremely proud of the nursing staff for this achievement,” said Kathie Krause, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer for Children’s Hospital. “Receiving the Beacon Award illustrates the commitment of the PCICU to excellence in patient care and dedication to continuous quality improvement. It is such a pleasure to see them recognized by the AACN for their efforts.”
Bronze-level recognition, which continues for three years, indicates the unit is developing systematic policies, processes and procedures; identifying opportunities for staff participation; and recognizing the need to develop cycles of evaluation and improvement.
“For patients and families, the designation represents exceptional care through improved outcomes and greater overall satisfaction,” according to the AACN. “For nurses, a Beacon Award can mean a positive and supportive work environment with greater collaboration between colleagues and leaders, higher morale and lower turnover. Nurses who work in organizations and units that meet a national standard for excellence consistently report healthier work environments and express higher satisfaction with their job.”
The AACN developed the Beacon Award in 2003 in order to give hospitals and health care systems a means to respond to increasing concerns about quality and safety, and to evaluate the continuing evolution of clinical care. Award criteria — which measure systems, outcomes and environments against evidence-based national criteria for excellence — provide a mechanism to initiate patient safety efforts.
The PCICU nursing team, led by manager John David Hughes MMHC, RN, worked together to apply for this honor.
“I am so proud of our outstanding PCICU nurses,” said Executive Chief Nursing Officer Marilyn Dubree, MSN, RN. “This honor is richly deserved.”