Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is pleased to announce that its Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) has earned a gold Beacon Award for Excellence, and its Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), a silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).
The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve unit outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that earn this annual award with a gold, silver, or bronze designation meet specific criteria established by AACN that represent the characteristics and components of the unit environment that nurses can influence to achieve nursing excellence.
A gold designation signifies the highest achievement, indicating that a unit meets national benchmarks in leadership, staffing, communication, learning, and evidence-based practice. Jamaica Hospital’s SICU is the only unit in New York City to earn gold for 2025. The hospital received a gold award within its first year of applying, which is highly unusual. The silver designation was awarded to 14 units in New York State, including Jamaica Hospital’s MICU.
This is a significant achievement as more than 575 units from around the country applied for the award. This accomplishment would not have been possible without extensive participation from physicians and support staff, and by including staff satisfaction surveys, in addition to data analysis.
AACN President Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, applauds the commitment of the caregivers at Jamaica Hospital for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence to achieve a gold and silver level designation. 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 outstanding 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.”
Jamaica Hospital’s SICU and MICU are proud to have received the distinction of gold and silver Beacon Units. This achievement highlights the high-quality, compassionate healthcare provided to critically ill patients across both units. “The Beacon Award validates the efforts of an entire team. It is a testament to their hard work, high-quality care, and dedication to a healthy, collaborative work environment. I’m proud and privileged to be associated with such remarkable individuals,” said Susan Iovino, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Nursing, at Jamaica Hospital.
The Beacon Award for Excellence gold and silver designations are for three years, with an annual review. Jamaica Hospital plans to apply for its Cath Lab and is highly confident that this unit can also achieve a Beacon Award.
