SBUH’s Neurocritical Care Unit Awarded for Excellence

Stony Brook University Hospital's Neurocritical Care Unit (NCCU) has received the Silver Beacon Award of Excellence (2024-2027) from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This three-year award recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve patient outcomes and align practices with AACN's six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Stony Brook is one of only five NCCUs in New York State to receive a Beacon Award of Excellence.

"This achievement recognizes the exemplary efforts of our NCCU nursing staff to provide excellent, safe, patient-centered care to patients and their families," said Carolyn Santora, chief nursing officer at Stony Brook University Hospital. "Those that receive care here at Stony Brook can expect to experience the highest level of nursing care from a group of exceptional healthcare professionals."

Established in 2003, AACN's Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes top hospital units that meet standards of excellence in recruitment and retention; education, training and mentoring; research and evidence-based practice; patient outcomes; leadership and organizational ethics; and creation of a healthy work environment. Units that achieve this three-year award meet national criteria consistent with the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and the National Quality Healthcare Award.

In 2024, the nursing team was also recognized for its excellence in emergency patient care. SBUH's Emergency Department was selected as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association's 2024 Lantern Award for demonstrating excellence in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance.