Intensive Care Unit at Palos Health Awarded Gold-Level Distinction Beacon Award for Excellence

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) awarded the gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Palos Hospital.

The Beacon Award for Excellence — a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments — recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award with gold, silver or bronze designations meet national criteria consistent with Magnet® Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

AACN President Megan Brunson, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN-CSC, applauds the commitment of the caregivers at the ICU at Palos Hospital for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence. Brunson states, “These dedicated healthcare professionals join other members of our exceptional community of nurses, who set the standard for optimal patient care.”

“Receiving a Beacon Award for Excellence demonstrates a team’s commitment to providing safe, patient-centered and evidence-based care to patients and families. Creating healthy and supportive work environments empowers nurses and other team members to make their optimal contribution,” Brunson explained. “Achieving this award is such an honor and brings such joy to those who have worked so hard to achieve excellence in patient care and positive patient outcomes.”

“This is the third time the Palos ICU has received the Beacon Award,” said Terrence Moisan, M.D., President and CEO of Palos Health. “This outstanding achievement highlights our nurses’ ability to collaborate as a team in order to make decisions that have a positive impact on patient health. By working together, they have created a strong environment that manifests in patient-centric care.”