AACN honors HCA Florida Ocala and West Marion hospitals for outstanding patient care

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has given gold-level Beacon Awards for Excellence to the Neurological Intensive Care Unit at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and the Intensive Care Unit at HCA Florida West Marion Hospital.

They also awarded a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at HCA Florida Ocala Hospital. These are the only hospitals in Marion County with Beacon Awards for Excellence.

“HCA Florida Ocala Hospital and HCA Florida West Marion Hospital are home to 93 intensive care beds,” Alan Keesee, HCA Florida Ocala Hospital chief executive officer says. “Our hospitals now make up 25% of the Beacon gold-level awards in the state of Florida. The dedication to excellence demonstrated by our ICU nurses set the standard for the rest of the county and state.”

AACN President Beth Wathen, MSN, APRN, CCRN-K, explains that the Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes units that provide exceptional patient care. “[It’s] a testament to a team’s commitment to providing safe, patient-centered and evidence-based care to patients and families. Creating healthy and supportive work environments empowers nurses and other team members to make their optimal contribution,” she says. “Achieving this award is an honor that brings such joy to those who have worked so hard to achieve excellence in patient care and positive patient outcomes.”