Springfield - Baystate Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit has been recognized for a fourth straight year for its nursing excellence as one of the nation’s top hospital critical-care units and is the only critical-care unit to win the award four years in a row, according to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).

The AACN announced on April 1 that the Adult Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit at Baystate Medical Center would receive the Beacon Award for Critical Care Excellence, an award that is increasingly linked to patient safety initiatives. Baystate’s ICU is one of 19 critical care units in the country, and the only one in New England to receive the prestigious honor this year.

“The commitment to high-quality standards and dedication to exceptional care of patients and their families have brought clear, valuable recognition to these units and institutions,” said Dave Hanson, RN, MSN, CCRN, CNS, president, AACN. “Earning a Beacon Award sends a clear message that these units are providing exceptional care and that their commitment to evidence-based practice is unwavering.  They have set examples that serve as beacons for other hospitals and healthcare facilities to use in navigating the rough waters of acute and critical care nursing,” added Hanson.

The criteria and standards set by the AACN are very high and this level of performance reflects an exceptional quality of patient care. Studies show that units achieving Beacon Award status rate higher on key indicators related to nursing satisfaction, quality of care, leadership and work environment. In addition, this award allows units to measure their systems, outcomes and environments against evidence-based criteria.