The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses recognizes hospital units that show excellence in patient outcomes, a healthy work environment and the nursing workforce. These units receive the Beacon Award for Excellence in bronze, silver or gold. Honorees have also shown an emphasis on evidence-based care and low hospital-acquired infection rates.

Salem Hospital's cardiovascular care unit is proud to have earned it's first Gold Beacon in 2026. They earned a Silver Beacon in 2016, with redesignation again in 2019 and 2025. Salem Hospital will be reassessed for this award next year.

Our intensive care unit (ICU) has also been awarded a Silver Beacon in 2026. Salem Hospital's ICU was the first ICU in Oregon to earn a Beacon Award, first recognized in 2007.