Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Heart and Vascular Progressive Care Unit receives Silver-Level Beacon Award for Excellence
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Heart and Vascular Progressive Care Unit (HVPCU) has earned the Silver-Level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This national honor recognizes units that demonstrate exceptional patient care, sustained clinical outcomes and a healthy, supportive work environment.
The HVPCU has maintained its status as a Beacon unit since 2015. “This award showcases the exceptional work our staff do each and every day,” said Abby Rudy, vice president of Nursing Critical Care Services. “Their commitment to positive patient outcomes and to creating a healthy, collaborative workplace is reflected throughout this Beacon Award.”
Several standout initiatives contributed to the HVPCU’s Silver Award achievement, including a strong mentorship program, enhanced orientation processes, staffing excellence, staff recognition efforts and focused quality initiatives such as alarm‑fatigue reduction and fall prevention. When the award submission was sent in, HVPCU had gone 435 days without a fall with injury, a major factor in its recognition.
The HVPCU is known for its welcoming culture and dedication to growth. Nearly 69% of the unit’s nurses hold professional certification, far exceeding the AACN national average of 38%. Team members regularly support one another’s professional advancement and take pride in mentoring high school and nursing students.
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