Neuroscience Intermediate Unit at Vidant Medical Center Receives Award for Excellence | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Greenville, N.C.     Oct. 4, 2018 - The Neuroscience Intermediate Unit at Vidant Medical Center (VMC) recently received a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

    "We are delighted to receive this recognition from AACN. The Neuroscience Intermediate Unit is comprised of dedicated team members who are focused on improving the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina," said Linda Hofler, PhD, RN, FACHE, NEA-BC, senior vice president, nurse executive for VMC.

    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 Healthy Work Environment Standards.


Team members from the Neuroscience Intermediate Unit at VMC. Credit: Amy Woolard, ANM, RN-BC
    "This acknowledgement highlights the commitment and high standards of care I see in action every day, as this team supports the patients and families we serve," said Jamie B. Gautier, BSN, RN-BC, NE-BC, nurse manager of the Neurosciences Intermediate Unit at VMC.

    The award also establishes the VMC team among other members of an exceptional community of nurses who set the standard for optimal patient care.

    "I am thrilled for what this means for this team, for VMC and the region," said Dawn Tetterton, MSN, RN, BC, administrator of Patient Care Services at VMC. "A devoted team who delivers care based on best practice benefits us all."

    The silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence earned by the Neuroscience Intermediate Unit at VMC signifies continuous learning and effective systems to achieve optimal patient care, based on the following criteria:

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

    "The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes," said AACN President Clareen Wiencek, RN, PhD, ACNP, ACHPN. "Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care."

    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.

• Contact: Erica Mizelle
•     erica.mizelle@vidanthealth.com