The Cardiac Care Unit recently learned that they have earned the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Beacon Award for Excellence.
A beacon is defined as a signal for guidance, a source of inspiration, or a call to assemble for some great purpose. For patients and families, Beacon means better care, improved outcomes and greater overall satisfaction. For nurses, Beacon means a positive, supportive work environment with greater collaboration, higher morale, and lower turnover.
The Beacon Award for Excellence is a highly prestigious award with very stringent criteria. Members of the national review committee look for criteria including Leadership Structures and Systems; Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement; Effective Communication, Knowledge Management and Best Practices; Evidence-based Practice and Processes; and Patient Outcomes. All areas where the Cardiac Care Unit excels.
"The CCU is very proud about the quality patient care we provide and the culture of teamwork within the unit, said Kim Calhoun, who spearheaded the nomination process. "Our director, Jim Ballinghoff, encouraged us to apply for the AACN Beacon Award last fall."
The application process is very challenging and requires documentation and data elements on 42 individual criteria. The application is reviewed by independent clinical experts from around the country and it is the ability of the writer to effectively portray the excellence of the unit that determines designation of the award. Our CCU colleagues effectively met that challenge.
CCU patient John Berry noted that, “It’s bad why you’re here, but it’s not so bad while you’re here. The nurses are so amazing at getting you through these tough medical situations in the most effective and professional manner.” Mr. Berry, a former Marine and homicide detective, notes that “I can go where bullets fly, but when I’m in a hospital, I’m terrified. But not here. I feel very comfortable and put at ease; I always feel like they are on my side. They’ve really changed my life.”
Please join us in congratulating the nurses of the CCU on their well deserved Beacon Award!
Members of the CCU gather soon after learning they had won a Beacon Award.
Stay tuned for an updated version of this story and an updated photo of the entire group in an upcoming Presby Bulletin.
