American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Recognizes the Intensive Care Unit at UPMC Williamsport With Beacon Award for Excellence

January 7, 2026

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) recently recognized UPMC Williamsport’s Intensive Care Unit with a silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence. This is a significant achievement as more than 575 units from around the country applied for the award in 2025.

“This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to providing the highest level of care for every patient while strengthening the health of our entire community,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, market president, UPMC North Central Pa., and president, UPMC Williamsport. “It demonstrates how our ICU team goes above and beyond to create a safe, healing environment that not only improves outcomes for patients but also builds trust and confidence among the families and neighbors we serve.”

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.

“The Beacon Award for Excellence recognizes caregivers in outstanding units whose consistent and systematic approach to evidence-based care optimizes patient outcomes,” said Rebekah Marsh, president, AACN. “Units that receive this national recognition serve as role models to others. The dedicated health care professionals, like those at UPMC Williamsport’s ICU, join other members of our exceptional community of nurses, who set the standard for optimal patient care.”

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.

To learn more about the Beacon Award for Excellence, visit AACN.org/Beacon.