Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit earns gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence
The Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital has earned a 2025 gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
The Beacon Award program recognizes hospital units that provide excellent patient care and a positive workplace for nursing staff. The gold level is the program’s top honor.
The Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital is the only pediatric intermediate care unit in Pennsylvania to receive the gold-level Beacon Award. The unit also earned gold-level recognition in 2021.
“Receiving the gold-level Beacon Award is a powerful affirmation of the extraordinary care delivered every day in our Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit,” said April Adley, vice president of nursing at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital and Women and Babies Center. “This recognition reflects a deeply rooted culture of teamwork, clinical excellence and unwavering dedication to our patients and their families.”
“Our nurses lead with compassion, hold themselves to the highest standards of quality and safety and never lose sight of the trust families place in us during their most vulnerable moments. I am incredibly proud of this team and the difference they make in the lives of children we are honored to serve.”
The Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit cares for children with complex medical needs, including both acute and chronic illnesses.
The unit was selected for the gold-level Beacon Award for its outstanding patient outcomes, the training and experience of its nurses and the quality of the work environment.
The Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit earned exceptionally high scores for patient outcomes, reducing complications such as hospital-acquired infections, falls, injuries and medication errors. The team also showed a strong focus on finding new ways to improve care.
“What makes this unit special is our commitment to teamwork to benefit our patients,” said Amanda Kells, nurse manager of the Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit. “This team will go out of their way to make sure that the coworker next to them has everything that they need to successfully care for their patients. It’s contributed to our sense of community and plays a significant role in achieving a positive and healthy work environment.”
The unit also earned high marks for leadership, communication and support for nurses’ professional growth. The team’s nurses regularly sharpen their skills and receive support as they transition into leadership roles.
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