Corvallis Hospital ICU Wins Prestigious Award April 17, 2020 The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center recently received a gold level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). The unit is the only ICU in Oregon to receive a gold award, the highest recognition by AACN. The ICU team was evaluated based on the following AACN criteria: Leadership structures and systems. Appropriate staffing and staff engagement. Effective communication, knowledge management, learning and development. Evidence-based practices and processes. Outcome measurement. Units that achieve this three-year, three-level award with a gold, silver or bronze designation meet national criteria consistent with Magnet Recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award. Hospital patient care leaders, Paula Stahl and Tim Eixenberger are appreciative of AACN’s recognition and award as it acknowledges our dedication to patient care and Samaritan PRIDE values. “This is a special award to me because it recognizes the outstanding care our nursing staff provides, day in and day out,” said Stahl, nurse manager for the ICU. “We know our ICU team is special because of their skill, knowledge, talent and commitment to the highest standards,” said Eixenberger, vice president of patient services for the hospital. “However, it is wonderful to have an independent association validate this.” AACN President Megan Brunson, MSN, RN, applauds the commitment of the ICU team at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence. These dedicated health care professionals join other members of our exceptional community of nurses who set the standard for optimal patient care. “Receiving a Beacon Award for Excellence demonstrates a team’s commitment to providing safe, patient-centered and evidence-based care to patients and families. Creating healthy and supportive work environments empowers nurses and other team members to make their optimal contribution,” Brunson said. “Achieving this award is such an honor and brings such joy to those who have worked so hard to achieve excellence in patient care and positive patient outcomes,” Brunson added.
