Best of the Best: Beacon Awards Earned by Less than 8% of Hospitals Nationwide
VALHALLA, N.Y. (April 1, 2025) – Nursing teams at WMCHealth hospitals have been recognized for the exceptional care they provide every day, further solidifying their status among the best nurses in the nation.
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), a national organization that represents nurses who care for critically ill patients, bestowed its prestigious Beacon Awards for Excellence on several WMCHealth nursing units for their ability to provide exceptional care to patients with severe, complex illnesses or injuries:
- Westchester Medical Center’s Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit
- Westchester Medical Center’s Cardiac Step-Down Unit
- Nurses in Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
With fewer than eight percent of hospitals nationwide receiving this recognition, receiving Beacon Awards from AACN is no small feat. Units that earn Beacon Awards for Excellence must meet specific criteria established by AACN and distinguish themselves by excelling in not just one, but many areas.
Considering how two of the recognized nursing teams provide cardiovascular care at Westchester Medical Center, it’s no surprise the hospital is consistently ranked as one of the top hospitals in the United States for cardiac surgery.
“Patient care is at the heart of everything we do at WMCHealth. Critical care is no easy task, and the recognition of our nursing teams by the AACN is a testament to their unwavering dedication to their patients and exceptional skill as medical professionals. Their passion and dedication make a real difference in the lives of our patients every day, and their achievements set the benchmark for nursing excellence nationwide,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, FASA, President and Chief Executive Officer, WMCHealth.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate the accomplishments of the cardiothoracic ICU, pediatric ICU and cardiology step-down units in achieving Beacon Award status,” says Phyllis Yezzo, DNP, RN, CPHQ, NEA-BC, WMCHealth Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive. “While all WMCHealth patient care units provide exceptional care, these units have distinguished themselves by excelling in all standards set forth by the AACN. These nurses and their respective leaders consistently exceed patient outcomes, serving as role models for other healthcare organizations.”