The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has awarded the Critical Care Unit at Betsy Johnson Hospital with a Silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence, recognizing the unit’s commitment to exceptional patient care and a positive work environment.

Betsy Johnson Hospital is part of Harnett Healthcare and Cape Fear Valley Health. This marks the first Beacon Award for Excellence earned by the health system, representing a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to strengthen quality and patient-centered care.

More than 575 units nationwide applied for the Beacon Award in 2025. Units that earn gold, silver or bronze designations meet rigorous criteria aligned with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards, which promote collaboration, professional growth and strong patient outcomes.

The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes unit caregivers who demonstrate consistent, evidence-based practices and measurable improvements in patient care. Award recipients are evaluated in the areas of patient outcomes, nursing workforce and work environment.

Although the team initially anticipated earning a bronze designation, the unit’s performance exceeded expectations and was ultimately recognized at the silver level.

“In a rural setting where specialty expertise isn’t always at arm’s reach, our team rises to the challenge every day,” said Megan Baker, supervisor/educator at Betsy Johnson Hospital, in a press release. “The Silver Beacon Award honors our determination to deliver outstanding care and our promise to keep high-quality critical care close to home for the patients who depend on us. Betsy Johnson truly is a hidden gem within the Cape Fear Valley system — where we not only care deeply for our community, but for the staff who devote themselves to serving it.”

AACN President Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, applauded the dedication of the Betsy Johnson caregivers for meeting and exceeding the organization’s high standards.

“The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in outstanding units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes,” Marsh said in a press release. “Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”

Beacon-awarded units distinguish themselves by demonstrating strong leadership, effective communication and a supportive professional environment. Through the program, participating units can evaluate their performance against national and international benchmarks.

Beyond patient care, the Silver Beacon designation also serves as a powerful recruitment and retention tool. Many nurses seek employment in Beacon-recognized units because the award reflects a healthy work culture, strong teamwork and high-quality clinical outcomes.

For Betsy Johnson Hospital, Harnett Healthcare and Cape Fear Valley Health, the award reflects a continued commitment to investing in people, improving outcomes and delivering exceptional care close to home.