Reading Hospital Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) was recently recognized with the silver Beacon Award for Excellence by The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
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 a gold, silver, or bronze designation meet national criteria consistent with Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and the National Quality Healthcare Award.
"The MICU team at Reading Hospital is committed to providing the highest level of quality care for our patients and their families each and every day. The Beacon Award for Excellence reiterates our ongoing promise of Advancing Health. Transforming Lives. for the communities we serve and we are proud to receive this prestigious honor.", said Joseph Brookes, MSN, RN, MICU Nurse Manager.
AACN President Clareen Wiencek, RN, Ph.D., ACNP, ACHPN, applauds the commitment of the caregivers at Reading Hospital 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 the exceptional community of nurses who set the standard for optimal patient care.
"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," she explains.
The silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence earned by Reading Hospital's MICU team signifies continuous learning and effective systems to achieve optimal patient care. The team 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, Learning, and Development
- Evidence-Based Practice and Processes
- Outcome Measurement
Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 714-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.