Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital recognized for excellence
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently conferred a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. This is a significant achievement, as more than 575 nursing units from around the country applied for the award in 2025.
"We are incredibly proud of our NICU team for earning this prestigious Silver Beacon Award from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses," said Michelle Farris, chief nursing officer at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital. “This recognition reflects our nurses' unwavering commitment to evidence-based care and their dedication to creating the healthiest environment possible for our most vulnerable patients and their families. The award validates the exceptional teamwork and clinical excellence our NICU staff demonstrates every day as they care for newborns during the most critical moments of their lives."
The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes nursing unit caregivers who successfully improve outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that earn this annual award with a gold, silver or bronze designation meet specific criteria established by AACN that represent the characteristics and components of the unit environment that nurses can influence to achieve nursing excellence.
AACN President Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, applauds the commitment of the caregivers in the NICU at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence to achieve a silver level designation. These dedicated healthcare professionals join other members of our exceptional community of nurses who set the standard for optimal patient care.
“The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in outstanding units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes,” Marsh said. “Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”