Lawrence + Memorial Hospital recognized with Beacon Award for Excellence

New London, CT (Jan. 6, 2025) – The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) has recognized the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital with a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence – the first NICU in the state to earn this recognition. 

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. Silver-level recipients demonstrate continual learning and effective systems to achieve optimal patient care. 

"This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of our nursing team to evidence-based, patient-centered care,” said Shannon Christian, chief nursing officer. “Their expertise and compassion create an environment where healing truly happens.

"Our NICU nurses consistently demonstrate excellence in every interaction. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and the profound impact they have on patient outcomes,” she added.

"This honor underscores the exceptional quality of care delivered by our critical care nursing staff. Patients and families can trust that they are receiving the highest standard of care from a team deeply committed to safety and excellence,” said Richard Lisitano, L+M president. "We are proud of our nurses for setting the benchmark in critical care. Their professionalism and empathy make a real difference in the lives of those we serve."

At Yale New Haven Health, both campuses of Bridgeport Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital have earned Beacon Award recognition on various inpatient units. 

Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, a member of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit, 308-bed general and acute care hospital providing patient care to medical, surgical, pediatric, psychiatric and obstetrical patients in southeastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island since 1912. Lawrence + Memorial offers cardiac acute, step-down and rehabilitation programs and is the only eastern Connecticut hospital that performs emergency and elective angioplasty. www.lmhospital.org