ChristianaCare ICU Units Earn National Beacon Awards For Excellence In Critical-care Nursing

The Medical Intensive Care Unit at Christiana Hospital Newark (Photo provided by ChristianaCare)

NEWARK — Three intensive care units at Christiana Hospital in Newark have received national recognition from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), earning 2025 Beacon Awards for Excellence for delivering high-level, evidence-based care and patient outcomes.

The Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Surgical Critical Care Complex (SCCC), and Transitional Surgical Unit (TSU) were honored for their work treating some of the hospital’s most critically ill patients. The Beacon Awards recognize individual critical-care nursing units that demonstrate excellence in patient care, clinical outcomes, and work environment.

In recognizing the significance of the national honor, Danielle Weber, DNP, MSM, RN-BC, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive at ChristianaCare, emphasized the value of the recognition for both staff and patients.

“The Beacon Award shines a light on individual nursing units for their commitment to providing critically ill patients with exceptional care and evidence-based practices,” said Weber. “These awards reflect nursing excellence and commitment to top health outcomes, an outstanding work environment and superior patient experience.”

The MICU, a 24-bed unit staffed by 95 nurses, treats patients with complex conditions such as sepsis, severe respiratory infections, kidney failure requiring dialysis, and gastrointestinal bleeding. It was the first unit in Delaware to earn a Beacon Award and has now received six recognitions—four silver and two gold, making it the state’s most decorated unit of its kind.

“It’s an affirmation of the care that the nurses provide and the excellence that they bring every day, using advanced protocols and the latest technology and research,” said Carol Ritter, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNML, nurse manager for the MICU.

The SCCC, a 22-bed trauma and surgical ICU, received its fourth silver-level Beacon Award. It is staffed by 75 nurses caring for patients experiencing traumatic injuries or needing advanced surgical and vascular treatment.

The TSU, with 12 beds and 35 nurses, received its first gold-level Beacon Award after previously earning two silver designations. The unit specializes in trauma and surgical patients, as well as those undergoing kidney transplants or complex vascular procedures.

“This award is an absolute reflection of every single nurse in SCCC and TSU – some of the most dedicated, compassionate human beings,” said Amanda Latina, MSN, MBA, RN, TCRN, nurse manager of the TSU and SCCC.

The Beacon Award not only highlights technical and clinical excellence but also strong workplace culture. Nurses in these units describe a bond of deep support and resilience.

“We stand by one another through crisis and loss, we rally together during stressful, unimaginable moments, and we’re so passionate about our work,” said Laurie Drake, BSN, CCRN, RN, of the SCCC.

“The Beacon recognition represents the unity, support, incredible teamwork and work ethic that we all share.”

Beyond internal validation, the awards also offer reassurance to patients and families about the quality of care being delivered.

“They know that the people caring for their loved ones are highly trained, compassionate, caring individuals. We tell family members, ‘When you can’t be here, we’re their family.’ The award backs that up.” said Ellen Alvarez, MEd, BSN, RN, CCRM, of the MICU.

ChristianaCare currently operates all seven Beacon-designated units in Delaware. In addition to MICU, SCCC, and TSU, the hospital’s Neuro Critical Care Unit, Cardiovascular Stepdown Unit 4E, Cardiovascular Critical Care Complex, Transitional Medical Unit, and 3C Intermediate Medical Unit have also received the designation.