COLTON, CA — The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently conferred a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence on the Four-North Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) in Colton, California. This is a significant achievement as more than 575 units from around the country applied for the award in 2025.
“Earning this achievement two years in a row is an honor for our entire hospital,” said ARMC Chief Executive Officer Andrew Goldfrach, FACHE. “We are proud to be one of only two Medical Intensive Care Units in California to earn the gold-level award for this year. Our MICU team puts our patients first, and their high standard of care is reflected in this award.”
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 their practices with AACN’s six standards for a healthy work environment. 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.
AACN President Rebekah Marsh, BSN, RN, CCRN, applauds the commitment of the caregivers in Four-North MICU at ARMC for working together to meet and exceed the high standards set forth by the Beacon Award for Excellence to achieve a gold-level designation. These dedicated healthcare professionals join other members of our exceptional community of nurses, who set the standard for optimal patient care.
“The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in outstanding units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes,” Marsh said. “Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others on their journey to excellent patient and family care.”
Many units provide exceptional patient care; however, Beacon-awarded units distinguish themselves by excelling in various areas, as demonstrated in their applications. Through participation in the Beacon Award program, units can compare and reflect on their performance with that of global applicants. All awardees demonstrate dynamic and outstanding performance in the areas of patient outcomes, nursing workforce, and work environment.
