Salem, Ore. — Salem Hospital’s Intermediate Care Unit has earned the Gold Beacon – the highest level award given by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. This makes Salem Health one of only four hospitals in Oregon to hold this designation. The AACCN awards Beacons at bronze, silver and gold levels.
The Beacon recognizes excellence in patient care, collaboration, and work environments with high staff morale. Beacon honorees are also known for their emphasis on evidence-based care and low hospital-acquired infection rates. High patient satisfaction with pain management and respect for cultural diversity are other strong measures.
The IMCU includes 95 staff and 25 physicians from various specialties: registered nurses, certified nurse assistants, care managers, pharmacists, wound care specialists, dietitians, plus physical, occupational and speech therapists.
“To achieve gold, we are simply putting into words our daily care practices, staffing effectiveness, continuous improvement and leadership structures,” said IMCU nurse manager Sheila Loomas. “We collaborate to provide high quality care and are very proud of our team. Reaching gold means that our outcomes have exceeded our previous silver levels – and, we often exceed national benchmarks.”
Salem Health’s critical care staff have a strong Beacon history. The intensive care unit was the first Oregon hospital to earn this award in 2006 – then earned three more consecutive Silver Beacons, awarded about every three years. The ICU is currently working on its fifth application. The cardiovascular care unit earned its first Silver Beacon in 2013 and is in the process of applying for another.
About Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics: It comprises hospitals in Salem and Dallas, a medical group of primary and specialty care providers, a Level II Trauma Center, plus other affiliated services. Visit us at www.salemhealth.org; “Like” us on www.facebook.com/salemhealth; follow us on Twitter: @salemhealth; and view us at www.youtube.com/salemhealth.
