Suffolk Reporter

Stony Brook University Hospital's Neurocritical Care Unit (NCCU) has been awarded the Silver Beacon Award of Excellence for 2024-2027 by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This award honors units that have improved patient outcomes and aligned their practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Stony Brook is among five NCCUs in New York State to receive this recognition.

“This achievement recognizes the exemplary efforts of our NCCU nursing staff to provide excellent, safe, patient-centered care to patients and their families,” said Carolyn Santora, chief nursing officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. “Those that receive care here at Stony Brook can expect to experience the highest level of nursing care from a group of exceptional healthcare professionals.”

The AACN’s Beacon Award for Excellence, established in 2003, acknowledges hospital units that excel in recruitment and retention; education, training and mentoring; research and evidence-based practice; patient outcomes; leadership and organizational ethics; and fostering a healthy work environment. Units earning this three-year award meet national standards akin to those set by the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

Additionally, in 2024, SBUH’s Emergency Department was recognized for excellence in emergency patient care. It received the Emergency Nurses Association’s 2024 Lantern Award for its achievements in leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research performance.