Children’s National Medical Center Honored for Nursing Excellence
April 20, 2012
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.
About Children's National Health System
Children’s National Health System, based in Washington, D.C., has served the nation’s children since 1870. Children’s National is one of the nation’s Top 5 pediatric hospitals and, for a second straight year, is ranked No. 1 in newborn care, as well as ranked in all specialties evaluated by U.S. News & World Report. It has been designated two times as a Magnet® hospital, a designation given to hospitals that demonstrate the highest standards of nursing and patient care delivery. This pediatric academic health system offers expert care through a convenient, community-based primary care network and specialty outpatient centers in the D.C. Metropolitan area, including the Maryland suburbs and Northern Virginia. Home to the Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is the seventh-highest NIH-funded pediatric institution in the nation. Children’s National is recognized for its expertise and innovation in pediatric care and as a strong voice for children through advocacy at the local, regional and national levels.
For more information, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.