The intensive care unit at The Miriam Hospital was recently recognized with the highest designation of excellence conferred by a national nursing organization.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) presented The Miriam with its gold Beacon Award for Excellence, which will remain in place for the next three years.
The Beacon Award of Excellence -- a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environment -- recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. The gold, silver and bronze designations meet national criteria consistent with Magnet® Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.
The gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence signifies an effective and systematic approach to policies, procedures and processes that include engagement of staff and key stakeholders; fact-based evaluation strategies for continuous process improvement; and performance measures that meet or exceed relevant benchmarks. The Miriam earned a gold award by meeting the following criteria:
• Leadership Structures and Systems
• Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement
• Effective Communication, Knowledge Management, and Learning and Development
• Evidence-Based Practice and Processes
• Outcome Measurement
“This distinction is recognition of the ICU’s unwavering commitment to the very highest level of quality and compassionate care as well as the outstanding outcomes that result from the unit’s teamwork and professional collaboration,” said Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer and senior vice president of patient care services. “We are so proud and honored that the AACN has recognized the nursing excellence that is deeply rooted in our culture at The Miriam.”
“Receiving a Beacon Award for Excellence demonstrates a team’s commitment to providing safe, patient-centered and evidence-based care to patients and families,” said AACN President Megan Brunson, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN-CSC. “Creating healthy and supportive work environments empowers nurses and other team members to make their optimal contribution. 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.”
AACN honors awardees at the National Teaching Institute & Critical Care Exposition (NTI), the world’s largest educational conference and trade show for nurses who care for acutely and critically ill patients and their families.