Baltimore’s healthcare community is celebrating a major milestone as Mercy Medical Center announced that its Medical-Surgical Nursing team on Bunting 16—the orthopedic unit located on the 16th floor of the Mary Catherine Bunting Center—has earned the prestigious PRISM Award® from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.

The recognition places Mercy among an elite group of hospitals nationwide and makes it the first hospital in Baltimore and one of only two hospitals in Maryland to receive the national honor.

The PRISM Award®, which stands for “Premier Recognition In the Specialty of Med-Surg,” recognizes outstanding medical-surgical nursing units that demonstrate excellence in leadership, patient outcomes, evidence-based practice, professional development, and healthy work environments. The award is co-sponsored by the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses and the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board.

Medical-surgical nurses represent the largest specialty nursing group in hospitals across the country, caring for patients with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions. Mercy’s Bunting 16 team was recognized for its exceptional patient care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to safety and innovation.

“Our nurses are the living continuation of the mission the Sisters of Mercy brought to Baltimore more than 151 years ago — to care for this community with dignity, compassion, and excellence,” said Dr. David Maine. “To our Bunting 16 nurses: Thank you for your expertise and your unwavering dedication to our patients and to each other.”

The orthopedic unit cares for patients with complex surgical and medical needs and has demonstrated measurable success in patient outcomes while fostering a culture that empowers nurses to lead and grow professionally.

“This award validates what we see every day at Mercy — nurses who lead with compassion, practice with precision, and advocate tirelessly for their patients,” said Stacey Brull. “Their commitment to excellence elevates the standard of care at Mercy and across our region.”

The PRISM Award adds to a growing list of honors recognizing nursing excellence at Mercy. Earlier this year, Mercy earned Magnet status “with distinction” from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, making it one of only 75 hospitals nationwide to receive the distinction. Mercy has also earned Beacon Awards of Excellence for both its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Intensive Care Unit from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.

Founded in 1874, Mercy Medical Center has built a national reputation for women’s health, orthopedics, cancer care, and digestive health services. The hospital is home to the renowned Weinberg Center for Women’s Health and Medicine and the Mary Catherine Bunting Center.

For more information about Mercy Medical Center, visit Mercy Medical Center. Additional information about the PRISM Award® is available through Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.