The Beacon Award for Excellence
Recognizing distinguished hospital units
that provide high-quality care in a supportive environment
For patients and their families, the Beacon Award for Excellence indicates exceptional care. For nurses, achieving this award signifies a positive and supportive work environment with greater collaboration, higher morale and lower turnover.
Before any unit attains Beacon recognition, the free Healthy Work Environment Assessment must be completed. This assessment comprises 24 survey questions that examine collaboration, communication, recognition and other standards AACN has developed for fostering a Healthy Work Environment (HWE). Once at least five staff members complete the anonymous online survey, the unit leader receives a report that identifies areas for improvement and resources to help achieve these goals.
Step 1: Download a FREE Sample HWE Report
The first step in applying for the Beacon Award for Excellence is a free Healthy Work Environment Assessment.
This assessment includes:
- Summary results: An aggregate score of the entire survey
- Results by HWE standard: Indicators of performance for each of the six standards
- Resources: Explanations and advice to strengthen your unit benchmarks
Fill out the form to receive a sample HWE report and see what a difference pursuing Beacon designation can make. To start your own free HWE assessment, please visit this page.
Why Invest in Unit Recognition?
The Beacon Award for Excellence is unlike other award programs because it is unit-based. Not only does the Beacon process provide benchmarking data, but also actionable feedback to assist hospital units on their path to excellence. Applying for the award gives your organization the opportunity to showcase how nurses make their optimal contributions through:
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Maximizing nurses’ impact
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Aligning patient needs with nurse competencies
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Providing meaningful recognition
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Ensuring quality, safety and satisfaction
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Orienting and validating nurse competencies
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Learning and developing skills
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Resolving ethical issues and moral distress
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Collaborating with other stakeholders to provide care for patients and families
The Beacon program strengthens recruiting and retention. Prospective employees consider the Beacon Award an indicator of a workplace where the quality of care is tied directly to the quality of the staff. Nurses who work in Beacon units know their skills and expertise are valued. This appreciation, in turn, boosts retention and employee engagement while attracting new staff.
Each Beacon application is evaluated using the unit’s quantitative data, qualitative exemplars, process measures and HWE assessment scores.
“This award is an independent validation of the team’s commitment to serving our patients, our community and each other.”
Attend a Virtual Information Session
Meet a Beacon team member, hear an overview of the award application process and get answers to your questions.
AACN’s 6 Essential Standards
for Healthy Work Environments
Skilled Communication
Be as proficient in communication skills as you are in clinical skills.
True Collaboration
Be relentless in pursuing and fostering true collaboration.
Effective Decision Making
Be committed partners in making policy, directing and evaluating critical care, and leading organizational operations.
Appropriate Staffing
Staffing must ensure the effective match between patient needs and nurse competencies.
Meaningful Recognition
Be recognized and recognize others for the value each brings to the work of the organization.
Authentic Leadership
Fully embrace the imperative of a healthy work environment, authentically live it and engage others in this achievement.
Start Your FREE Healthy Work Environment Assessment
You and your team can collectively measure the health of your environment against the six standards with a free online survey.
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