HaysMed Progressive Care Unit Earns National Beacon Award for Excellence
The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has awarded a bronze-level Beacon Award for Excellence to the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at HaysMed, recognizing the unit’s commitment to outstanding patient care and a positive work environment.
This national honor is a significant achievement, with more than 575 units across the country applying for recognition in 2025. Notably, only four units in Kansas received the Beacon Award this year, placing HaysMed’s PCU among an elite group of high-performing care teams.
The Beacon Award recognizes hospital units that demonstrate exceptional performance in critical areas including patient outcomes, nursing workforce, and work environment. Units earning the distinction exemplify a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in patient care.
The HaysMed Progressive Care Unit, which includes a team of 32 PCU nurses, underwent a rigorous and lengthy application process. The recognition reflects the team’s dedication to nurse-driven initiatives, collaboration, and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.
“The Beacon Award highlights the extraordinary work happening every day within our Progressive Care Unit,” said Joben Rieth, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “This achievement is a powerful reflection of the expertise our nurses bring to every patient interaction.”
“Our Progressive Care Unit plays a vital role in bridging the gap between intensive care and medical-surgical care, providing specialized monitoring and advanced nursing support for patients at a critical point in their recovery,” said Janine Kisner, Nursing Services Manager. “This recognition speaks to the skill, teamwork, and heart our nurses bring to that responsibility every day.”
Beacon Award–winning units are recognized for fostering environments where nurses thrive, collaborate effectively, and deliver patient-centered care that drives meaningful, measurable results.
