AARP and AACN grant supports Providence nurse-led initiative to boost morale, retention, and workplace culture through peer recognition.
SPOKANE, Wash. -- Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been awarded a $17,000 grant from the AARP and American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN Critical Care) as part of the 2025 Nursing Innovation Fund. The award recognizes Providence’s commitment to strengthening the nursing workforce through creative, scalable solutions that foster a healthier work environment and improve nurse recruitment and retention.
Providence Sacred Heart is one of only 20 recipients nationwide selected for this competitive grant program, which distributed more than $355,000 to support nurse-led innovation across the country.
The funding will expand RECOGNITION TV: I C the AMAZING in U project beyond the ICU to other departments throughout the medical center. This nurse-led initiative uses dedicated display TVs in staff break rooms to showcase real-time peer-to-peer shout-outs, team celebrations, and uplifting stories—highlighting the extraordinary work of caregivers and reinforcing a culture of appreciation.
The funding will expand RECOGNITION TV: I C the AMAZING in U project beyond the ICU to other departments throughout the medical center. Th
The grant will support both the purchase of additional display TVs and nursing time to implement the project across units.
“Recognition TV has transformed the way we celebrate our team’s incredible work. It has become the heartbeat of our unit, shining a spotlight on the compassion, teamwork and everyday excellence that make our ICU so special,” said Julie Matthews, RN CCRN at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. “It’s a reminder that every person’s effort matter and deserve to be seen and appreciated.”
The project is a collaboration between nursing leadership, the Healthy Work Environment team, the Unit Based Council, and frontline caregivers. Since its launch earlier this year, it has improved morale, nurtured a supportive and inclusive culture, and helped reduce burnout by ensuring staff feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
"Burnout in healthcare is common due to the physically and emotionally demanding nature of the work," said Susan Stacey, chief executive of Providence. "In the ICU, nurses face even greater challenges, intensifying burnout risks as they care for critically ill patients needing constant vigilance. I applaud these efforts to establish new and innovative ways to support each other, build resilience, and manage stress to continue caring for our community."
The need for such initiatives is urgent. A 2023 report from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing found that more than 100,000 registered nurses left the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, and another 600,000 have expressed intent to leave by 2027. Healthy work environments are essential to reversing this trend and ensuring nurses can continue to deliver high-quality care.
Providence’s project aligns with the broader goals of the AARP and AACN to support nurse well-being and innovation.
“Nurses play a critical role in protecting the health of our nation, but they need healthy work environments to effectively deliver care,” said Alan Weil, senior vice president, public policy and director of AARP Public Policy Institute. “AARP is proud to provide ongoing support to ensure a strong nursing workforce across all care settings where nurses practice.”
“Nurses represent the largest segment of the health care workforce, which positions them as essential catalysts for addressing health care challenges while driving innovation and transformation in the field,” said Vicki Good, DNP, RN, CENP, CPPS, AACN chief clinical officer. “Creating supportive healthy work environments isn’t just beneficial for nurses, it creates a ripple effect that can improve patient outcomes and strengthen family experiences.”
The 20 funded projects are from Arkansas, California, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Florida, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
AARP administers the award program.
Learn about the other projects: https://campaignforaction.org/our-network/grantee-and-award-programs/the-nursing-innovations-fund/2025-nursing-innovations-fund/
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is the world’s largest specialty nursing organization, with more than 130,000 members and nearly 200 chapters in the United States. To achieve its vision of a health care system driven by the needs of patients and families, where nurses make their optimal contribution, AACN’s advocacy priority is to establish and sustain healthy work environments that support nursing excellence.
About Providence
Providence is a not-for-profit Catholic health care ministry committed to providing for the needs of the communities it serves – especially for those who are poor and vulnerable. In Eastern Washington, the Providence network of services includes Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, Providence Holy Family Hospital and Providence St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Medical Center – all nationally recognized for quality care, as well as two critical access hospitals in Colville and Chewelah. It also includes a full continuum of services under Providence Medical Group – Providence Medical Park in Spokane Valley (a comprehensive multi-specialty center), three urgent care centers, home health, assisted living, adult day health, skilled nursing care, and over 90 specialty and primary care clinics throughout Eastern Washington. Providence Medical Group includes more than 850 physicians and advanced practitioners. Its medical staff includes primary care providers, surgical subspecialists, and medical specialists. For more information, visit www.providence.org.
###
