National recognition highlights unit-level nursing excellence, exceptional patient outcomes, and healthy work environments
VALHALLA, NY – January 22, 2026 – The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has awarded a Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence to three inpatient units at Westchester Medical Center, the flagship hospital of Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). This national recognition honors unit-based teams that demonstrate excellence in patient care, nursing practice, and the creation of healthy, collaborative work environments.
More than 575 units nationwide applied for the Beacon Award in 2025. At Westchester Medical Center, the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU), CTS Step-Down, and Cardiology Step-Down earned Silver-level designation, reflecting sustained achievement in evidence-based practice, measurable patient outcomes, and nursing-driven leadership.
“Patients experience the difference when nursing excellence is not just a goal, but a standard relentlessly pursued,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. “This national recognition reflects the remarkable commitment of our nurses, whose expertise and collaboration elevate care, strengthen outcomes, and set a national benchmark for what exceptional critical care looks like – right here in the Hudson Valley.”
The Beacon Award for Excellence marks a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments. The award recognizes unit caregivers who align their practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards, including leadership structures, effective communication, appropriate staffing, professional development, evidence-based practice, and outcomes measurement.
“The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in outstanding units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes,” said Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, President of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. “Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”
While many units across the country provide exceptional patient care, Beacon-recognized units distinguish themselves through measurable performance and continuous improvement. All Beacon Award recipients demonstrate excellence across three core domains: Patient Outcomes, Nursing Workforce, and Work Environment.
About the Beacon Award for Excellence
Established in 2003, the Beacon Award for Excellence provides a roadmap to guide exceptional care through improved outcomes and greater overall patient satisfaction. U.S. and Canadian hospital units where patients receive their principal nursing care after hospital admission are eligible for the award. Units are evaluated across six categories: leadership structures and systems; appropriate staffing and staff engagement; effective communication, knowledge management, and learning and development; evidence-based practice and processes; and outcome measurement. To learn more, visit www.aacn.org/beacon.
About the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses For more than 50 years, the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has been dedicated to advancing acute and critical care nursing excellence. AACN is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization, representing approximately 130,000 members and more than 200 chapters across the United States.