PVHMC Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit earns National Recognition for Clinical Excellence

CVICU Receives Silver-Level Beacon Award from American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

POMONA, Calif. (March 27, 2021) – For the second consecutive time, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center’s (PVHMC) Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) has received the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence.

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 a silver designation meet national criteria consistent the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award. PVHMC first earned this national recognition in June 2017.

“Achieving the silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence for the second consecutive time demonstrates our deep-rooted commitment to providing exceptional, evidence-based care to our patients,” said Darlene Scafiddi, RN, Executive Vice President of Patient Care Services. “Our nursing team cares for patients with compassion and an uncompromising dedication to quality.”

PVHMC’s CVICU earned the award by meeting rigorous criteria for:

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

AACN President Elizabeth Bridges, PhD, RN, CCNS, FCCM, FAAN, applauds the commitment of the caregivers at PVHMC’s CVICU for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence. These dedicated healthcare 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,” said Dr. Bridges. “Creating healthy and supportive work environments empowers nurses and other team members to make their optimal contribution. 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.”

To learn more about cardiovascular services at PVHMC, visit https://www.pvhmc.org/centers-of-excellence/stead-heart-vascular-center/. For more information on the Beacon Award for Excellence, visit www.aacn.org/beacon.