Valley Children’s ICU is Awarded with Prestigious Award

MADERA — Valley Children’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) has earned its fifth silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN).  This recognition further affirms the PICU’s commitment to high-quality patient care and an inclusive work culture.  Notably, this award places Valley Children’s PICU among the top-performing units nationwide.  It is recognized by systematic, evidence-based practices that drive excellent patient outcomes.

Recognition of Excellence in Pediatric Care

To begin, in response to the award, Vicky Tilton expressed her admiration for the team.

Vicky Tilton, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer.

“Our PICU team is dedicated to providing exceptional, complex care to some of the most critically ill children, and this award reflects the incredible hard work, commitment, and passion they bring to Valley Children’s every day,” said Vicky.

Additionally, she emphasized the team’s efforts to provide expert, compassionate care while fostering a positive and supportive environment for each other.

“Their unwavering efforts to deliver the highest level of expertise and compassion to our patients and their families, while also cultivating a positive and supportive environment for one another, are truly inspiring and deserving of this recognition,” Vicky claims.

Moreover, the three-year Beacon designation highlights excellence across several essential areas.  These include:

• leadership structures
• appropriate staffing
• effective communication
• knowledge management
• learning and development
• outcome measurement

Emphasizing the importance of this recognition, AACN President Jennifer Adamski noted, “Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”

Commitment to a Family-Centered Culture

Valley Children’s PICU team, honored with the Beacon Award, embodies compassionate, family-centered care.

Meanwhile, Dr. Shaghig Kouyoumjian, Medical Director of Valley Children’s PICU, emphasized the unit’s commitment to a family-centered approach.

“Putting patients and their families first while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment is the culture of our remarkable unit,” said Dr. Shaghig.  “Together, we are truly passionate about delivering the best care to our critically ill patients, and this award reflects our unwavering commitment and devotion to those kids we are so privileged to serve.”

Additional National Recognitions

In addition, this national honor joins recent recognitions for Valley Children’s.  Recently, U.S. News & World Report ranked the hospital among the nation’s best in three pediatric specialties.  All the while, Solutions for Patient Safety acknowledged its work in pediatric patient safety for the third consecutive year.  Furthermore, Becker’s named Valley Children’s a Top Place to Work in Healthcare for the fourth time.  Consequently, highlighting its ongoing commitment to employee well-being.

All in all, as the first pediatric hospital west of the Rockies to earn the prestigious Magnet® designation from ANCC, Valley Children’s continues to set high standards for both pediatric care and employee satisfaction.