American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes the Pediatric ICU at Cook Children’s Medical Center with Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence

We’re delighted to share some exciting news that reflects the dedication and excellence of our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) team! The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has honored our PICU with the prestigious Silver Beacon Award for Excellence, a testament to the outstanding care and commitment demonstrated by each member of this unit.

The Beacon Award for Excellence is a remarkable achievement, symbolizing the commitment to exceptional patient care and fostering a healthy work environment.

This recognition represents the diligent efforts of our PICU team to enhance patient outcomes and align practices with AACN's six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Our PICU staff earned its silver award by meeting the following evidence-based Beacon Award for Excellence 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

“At Cook Children's Medical Center, we strive to provide excellent patient care and the silver-level Beacon Award reflects our commitment to strong leadership, staff engagement, effective communication, using evidence-based practices, and demonstrating quality outcomes,” said Cheryl Petersen, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Cook Children’s. “These are all part of our Promise to improve the well-being of every child we care for and in the communities we serve.”

To our entire Cook Children's staff, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering commitment to excellence. This recognition is a reflection of each employee's dedication to the "everything for the child" philosophy, making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Together, we continue to set new standards and elevate the patient experience.

AACN President Terry Davis, PhD, RN, NE-BC, CHTP, FAAN, applauds the exemplary efforts of the caregivers at Cook Children's for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence.

“These dedicated health care professionals join other members of the exceptional community of nurses who set the standard for optimal patient care,” Davis said. “The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes. Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”