Congratulations, cardiac team!

By Kim Rose

The Cardiac Intensive Care Unit team at UF Health Shands Hospital has earned a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. It is the first ICU team in the state to receive the gold honor this year, and only five gold designations were made to units in Florida. A gold, silver or bronze Beacon Award is a three-year designation that recognizes teams that meet national criteria consistent with Magnet recognition, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award. “The Beacon Award is one of the nursing profession’s most respected awards for outstanding patient care,” said Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, vice president for nursing and patient services and chief nursing officer at UF Health Shands Hospital. “This gold achievement reflects the dedication and superior performance of the Cardiac ICU team in providing the highest standards of heart and vascular care.”