GBMC MICU Recognized For Excellence

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), the world's largest specialty nursing organization, representing the interests of more than a half-million acute and critical care nurses, recently recognized the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) with a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence, making the hospital just one of five in Maryland to achieve this prestigious recognition.




“This notable quality recognition is a tribute to our wonderful MICU caregivers here at GBMC. Our leaders have worked hard to deliver the best health outcomes and the best care experience,” says John Chessare, MD, president and CEO of GBMC HealthCare. “It takes teamwork and a culture of quality and patient safety to earn this recognition. I am truly honored and proud of our magnificent MICU team.”




Since 2003, 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 gold, silver or bronze designations meet national criteria consistent with Magnet® Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.




“This award, which is one of the most respected and celebrated recognitions for exceptional patient care, recognizes the incredible contributions that have been made year after year by the MICU staff,” said Monica Goetz, MSN, RN, CCRN MICU assistant director. “Our MICU staff has long understood that quality care is not a sprint or a magic bullet, but rather a marathon, requiring flexibility and sustainability.”




AACN provides a framework with points assigned to the following categories:

• Leadership Structures and Systems
• Appropriate Staffing and Staff Engagement
• Effective Communication, Knowledge Management and Learning Development
• Evidence-Based Practice and Processes
• Outcomes Measurements

Goetz adds that for patients, the award means that they are receiving care at one of the highest quality MICU's in the nation and for physicians it gives them a sense of trust that the staff is caring for their patients by providing advanced evidence-based care.




“The Beacon Award validates our commitment to our hospital’s vision through the accomplishment of quality outcomes for both our patients and our staff. Winning this award is a huge honor, and I'm very proud of our team," says Goetz.




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Related Web-Sites:


Beacon Award for Excellence - www.aacn.org/beacon


American Association of Critical-Care Nurses - www.aacn.org