Kaiser Permanente Roseville’s Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) was honored with the Silver Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses for the third time. This prestigious recognition celebrates units that foster a Healthy Work Environment (HWE) and deliver exceptional patient care.

The six HWE standards — skilled communication, true collaboration, effective decision-making, appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, and authentic leadership — are deeply embedded in the Roseville ICU’s culture. The team has consistently demonstrated high-quality care by significantly reducing hospital-acquired injuries (HAIs), including pressure injuries, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Staff safety has also improved through targeted interventions. The HEROES (Quality) Committee partnered with hospital-wide performance improvement teams to develop K-cards, standardizing workflows with evidence-based practices to reduce HAIs. Meanwhile, the Safety Committee introduced tools such as in-room pill crushers to prevent wrist injuries and trained staff on safer repositioning techniques to minimize musculoskeletal injuries.

Efforts to enhance multidisciplinary rounds (MDR) led to a streamlined MDR form and standardized communication across disciplines, improving care coordination. Additionally, restructuring the ICU’s committees under the Nursing Unit Council (NUC) has strengthened two-way communication and alignment with hospital-wide Core Councils through the Voice of Nursing.

Receiving the Silver Beacon Award reflects nurses’ deep engagement in quality improvement and commitment to excellence in both patient care and professional practice. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit and resilience of the ICU team.