Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center Units Earn National Recognition for Excellence in Critical Care  

ROCKVILLE, MD ― Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center has been awarded the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. This national recognition honors the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) for its dedication to outstanding patient care, teamwork, and nursing excellence.

Shady Grove Medical Center is among a select group of hospitals to receive this distinction for work during 2024, reflecting its commitment to innovation, evidence-based care and continuous improvement in patient outcomes. The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes hospital units that uphold the highest standards in leadership, collaboration and patient safety.

“This award is a testament to the dedication of our ICU and PCU teams,” said Ansanus “Obi” Obizuo, Director of Critical Care Services at Shady Grove Medical Center. “Their commitment to excellence, collaboration, and patient safety ensures that we provide the highest standard of carte in a supportive and healing environment.”

Shady Grove’s ICU and PCU achieved this recognition by implementing key initiatives that significantly improved patient care and staff engagement. Notable achievements include:

• Improving patient safety, with ICU-acquired pressure injuries dropping 98% since 2022. The unit had only one pressure injury in 2024.
• Enhancing patient experience, as PCU increased hourly rounding compliance by 18%, leading to better responsiveness and care.
• Reducing ICU staff turnover from 33% in 2023 to 15.8% in 2024, surpassing national benchmarks.
• Strengthening clinical expertise through monthly training, skills workshops, and career development programs for critical care nurses.

“Providing high-quality, compassionate care in a supportive environment is at the heart of everything we do at Shady Grove,” said Joan Vincent, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “This award affirms our commitment to patient safety, teamwork, and excellence in critical care.”

Earning the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence reinforces Shady Grove Medical Center’s leadership in critical care nursing and its ongoing dedication to delivering the highest quality care to the community it serves.