Stony Brook University Hospital has been recognized by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) for excellence in its nursing units. The hospital's respiratory and medical ICR received a Gold Beacon Award, while the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) was honored with a Silver Beacon Award. These awards are given to units that demonstrate exceptional performance in patient outcomes, nursing workforce, and work environment.
Carolyn Santora, Chief Nursing Officer at Stony Brook University Hospital, expressed pride in the nursing staff's dedication and contributions toward achieving excellence. "Our nurses are at the heart of delivering safe, compassionate, and patient-centered care—the kind of care that patients and families across Long Island have come to trust at Stony Brook," she stated.
AACN President Jennifer Adamski commended the caregivers' commitment to meeting high standards. "The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in outstanding units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes," she explained.
The Beacon Award for Excellence was established in 2003 to guide exceptional care through improved outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. Units receiving this award meet criteria in leadership structures, staffing, communication, evidence-based practice, and outcome measurement.
Stony Brook University Hospital is Long Island’s premier academic health center with 624 beds. It serves as the region’s only tertiary care center and Regional Trauma Center. The hospital is home to several specialized institutes including the Heart Institute and Cancer Center.
The AACN is based in Aliso Viejo, California, representing over half a million acute and critical care nurses globally. Founded in 1969, it aims to create a healthcare system driven by patients' needs where nurses make optimal contributions.