JACKSON, Miss. — The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Children’s of Mississippi has earned the Pediatric Nurse Excellence Diamond Award, the highest distinction presented by the Society of Pediatric Nurses, hospital leaders said Thursday.
Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair of Pediatrics and CEO of Children’s of Mississippi, said the award recognizes the unit’s sustained commitment to pediatric critical care, teamwork and patient- and family-centered care. “To be the only pediatric intensive care unit to receive this honor at any level and to achieve it at the highest designation is a remarkable accomplishment,” she said.
Now in its third year, the national designation recognizes units that care for pediatric patients in both inpatient and ambulatory settings and that demonstrate exceptional performance in clinical practice, leadership, collaboration and outcomes. The award represents the highest level of achievement within the program, the society says.
Gordon Gartrell, nurse manager for the PICU, said the recognition reflected a culture of teamwork, trust and a shared mission. “I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude,” he said. “My first thought was of our nurses and team members who pour their hearts into this work every single day.”
Wesley Smith, director of pediatric intensive care, emergency department, critical care transport and outreach at Children’s of Mississippi, said Diamond status validates coordinated care from transport to intensive care. “Through their commitment to collaboration, quality of care and accountability, the PICU has positioned itself as one of the premier ICUs in the world,” he said.
Kristin Hardy, interim chief nursing officer, said the honor affirms the institution’s broader commitment to nursing excellence and reassures families in Mississippi that top-tier pediatric care is available close to home. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
