The UAB Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit has been awarded the silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. This award recognizes healthcare organizations that provide exceptional care through positive patient outcomes and greater overall patient satisfaction.

To be considered for the Beacon Award, hospital units must submit three years of data that demonstrates how they are setting the 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. According to the AACN, nurses who work in organizations and units that meet this standard for excellence report healthier work environments and express higher satisfaction with their jobs.

UAB Hospital's Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit consists of 20 private rooms with specially trained staff. The unit focuses on pain management, pulmonary management, early ambulation and physical therapy. It utilizes a fast-track protocol developed specifically for this patient population with the goal of helping the patient gain independence in their personal care and daily activities before their return home.

UAB will hold this designation for three years. This unit is one of the two units at UAB to have this award and one out of only 10 in the state of Alabama.