American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes neonatal intensive care unit at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital with silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence

Atlanta, Ga. (June 11, 2026) - The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently conferred a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence on the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. This is a significant achievement as more than 575 units from around the country applied for the award in 2025.

The Beacon Award for Excellence — a significant milestone on the path to exceptional patient care and healthy work environments — recognizes unit caregivers who successfully improve unit outcomes and align practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Units that earn this annual award with a gold, silver or bronze designation meet specific criteria established by AACN that represent the characteristics and components of the unit environment that nurses can influence to achieve nursing excellence. This year, there were four units that applied for recognition in one or two individual modules. We congratulate these units on taking a step forward in improving their outcomes and work environment.

“We are extremely proud of our NICU nurses and leaders and their pursuit of this award,” said Piedmont Atlanta Chief Nursing Officer Kelly Frilot, RN, MSN, CMSRN. “This award recognizes this team for their strengths in communication, learning and development, processes, outcomes, leadership and engagement. It is because of those strengths that they are able to make a positive difference in the lives of our patients every day.”

Many units provide exceptional patient care; however, Beacon-awarded units distinguish themselves by excelling in various areas demonstrated in their application. Through participation in the Beacon Award program, units can compare and reflect on their performance compared to global applicants. There are subtle differences for different scoring levels, often differentiated by 1 point or less. All awardees demonstrate dynamic and outstanding performance in the areas of: Patient Outcomes, Nursing Workforce and Work Environment.

AACN President Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, applauds the exemplary efforts of the caregivers at Piedmont Atlanta for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence.

“These dedicated healthcare professionals join other members of the exceptional community of nurses who set the standard for optimal patient care,” Marsh said. “The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in stellar units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes. Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”