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Children's National Medical Center Honored for Nursing Excellence

Washington, DC—Children’s National Medical Center is the first hospital in the nation to have three Critical Care units given a Beacon Award by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The award signifies a commitment to exceptional patient care through improved outcomes and achieving a healthy work environment.

Children’s National is home to three critical care units: the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. All three units received the Beacon status. The Cardiac ICU is the first pediatric unit to be given a gold-level designation, the highest given.

“Nurses are central to the care of our patients at Children’s National, and we’re pleased that the American Association of Critical Care Nurses has recognized our commitment,” said Nellie Robinson, RN, MSN, FAAN, Executive Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer at Children’s National. “The Beacon Award signifies exceptional care through improved outcomes and greater overall satisfaction, which is a testament to the team of dedicated nurses, physicians, and healthcare providers in all of our ICUs.”

The NICU at Children’s National is a 54-bed unit that cares for some of the region’s sickest patients. The PICU cares for children with a variety of critical illnesses and treats more than 1,400 patients annually. With 26 beds, the Cardiac ICU is the region’s only cardiac-specific critical care unit focused on the needs of children.

The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes. Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award meet national criteria consistent with Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award, according to AACCN.

Contact: Emily Dammeyer or Paula Darte at 202-476-4500.

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