Nurses Shine Bright With 7 New AACN Beacon Awards for Excellence

ChristianaCare has once again been recognized by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) for delivering exceptional complex care across its hospitals. Seven patient care units at Christiana Hospital and Wilmington Hospital earned the prestigious Beacon Award for Excellence, with Gold and Silver level designations across intensive care and transitional care units. For patients, the Beacon Award is a signifier that the unit is known for delivering top-quality care. For caregivers, the award is a symbol of professional pride and a commitment to excellence. “High quality care and outstanding patient outcomes are at the heart of our mission,” said Danielle Weber, DNP, MSM, RN BC, NEA BC, chief nurse executive at ChristianaCare. “Our nursing units continue to raise the bar of excellence through continuous learning, innovation and teamwork.

"Achieving seven more Beacon Awards this year reflects their unwavering commitment to compassionate, top-tier care and affirms the extraordinary work they do for our community every day,” she said. The other Beacon Award-winning units at ChristianaCare that were designated in previous years include the Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex (Gold), the Neuro Critical Care Unit (Silver), and the 4E Cardiovascular Stepdown Unit (Silver).

The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes individual nursing units, as opposed to whole hospitals and facilities, that consistently improve outcomes and align their practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units meet rigorous criteria in the following areas: leadership structures and systems, appropriate staffing and staff engagement, effective communication, knowledge management, learning and development, evidence-based practices and outcomes measurement.

AACN President Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, applauds the commitment of the caregivers at ChristianaCare for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence. These dedicated healthcare professionals join other members of our exceptional community of nurses, who set the standard for optimal patient care. “The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes,” Marsh said. “Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”

The 6 South Transitional Care Unit at Wilmington Hospital earned its first Beacon Award, receiving a Silver-level designation. “This national recognition reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional patient care, fostering a healthy work environment, and promoting continuous professional development,” said Megan Money, DNP, MBA, RN, PCCN, NE-BC, director of clinical operations and the nurse manager of the Wilmington Hospital Intensive Care Unit (WICU) and the 6 South Transitional Care Unit. “The Beacon Award signifies excellence in nursing practice, patient outcomes, and teamwork — standards our staff consistently strives to exceed every day. Achieving this honor is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and collaboration of our entire team. From bedside nurses to interdisciplinary partners, every member has contributed to creating a culture centered on safety, evidence-based practice, and patient- and family-centered care.”

The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Christiana Hospital in Newark has been continuously recognized as a Beacon awardee since 2009. Its initial 2009 recognition occurred before the Gold, Silver, and Bronze designations were introduced. Since then, the MICU has earned seven Beacon Awards in total — including three Silver and three Gold — making it the most highly awarded Beacon unit in Delaware.

The Wilmington Hospital Intensive Care Unit (WICU) received a Gold level award for the first time, after previously earning a Silver level award.

The Transitional Surgical Unit (TSU) at Christiana Hospital earned a Gold level award for the second time, following two prior Silver awards.

The 3C Intermediate Medical Unit (Medical Stepdown) at Christiana Hospital received the Silver level award for the second consecutive year.

The Surgical Critical Care Complex (SCCC) at Christiana Hospital received the Silver level award for the fifth time.

The Transitional Medical Unit (3D) at Christiana Hospital received a Silver level award. The unit has earned multiple Beacon recognitions through the years and holds the most Beacon Awards of any non-critical care practice area at ChristianaCare.

Beacon-designated units are renowned for their healthy work environments and high morale, which results in strong relationships among the nurses and high-quality patient care. “Earning the Gold Beacon Award is a true testament to the tremendous nursing care delivered by our MICU team,” said Jasmin Orange, MSN, RN, CCRN, nurse manager of the MICU. “Our nurses not only commit themselves to providing exceptional care to every patient — they also embrace continuous improvement in everything they do," she said. "This Beacon recognition reflects the relentless dedication and work ethic that define our team.”