#United States #Schaumburg #Healthcare Excellence #Emergency Nurses Association #Lantern Award

Recognizing Excellence in Emergency Care: The 2026 ENA Lantern Awards

In a historic achievement, the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) recently announced the recipients of the 2026 Lantern Awards, honoring a record-breaking 126 emergency departments across the United States. This award is bestowed upon emergency departments that exhibit exceptional innovation, evidence-based practices, and a commitment to excellence in patient care.

A Symbol of Commitment and Excellence

Dustin Bass, President of the ENA, emphasized the significance of the Lantern Award, stating, "It is not merely an accolade for an individual or entire hospital, but rather a recognition earned by the dedicated teams operating within these emergency departments. These units represent a unique blend of purpose, innovation, and unwavering commitment to improve the quality of care for patients in urgent need." This year's award highlights how emergency nurses continually push the envelope, demonstrating what is possible when they lead with passion and dedication.

To determine the recipients of the Lantern Award, emergency departments must go through a rigorous application process. This comprehensive assessment evaluates their ability to tackle various challenges ranging from reducing patient wait times and facilitating timely care for stroke victims to enhancing pediatric readiness and supporting the professional growth of nursing staff. A committee scores each application based on criteria that reflect operational excellence and patient outcomes.

Breaking New Ground

Among the 2026 awardees, three emergency departments made history by being the first in their respective states to earn such recognition:

• - Queens Medical Center Emergency Department in Honolulu, Hawai'i
• - Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Emergency Department in Lebanon, New Hampshire
• - Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Emergency Department in Cheyenne, Wyoming

Moreover, Atlantic Overlook Medical Center's Emergency Services Union Campus in Union, New Jersey, achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first department to receive the Lantern Award six times since the program's inception in 2011. The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Emergency Department is a notable international recipient, marking its third Lantern Award since 2020, showing global standards of excellence in emergency care.

The Lasting Impact of Recognition

The recognition conferred by the Lantern Award remains valid for three years, encouraging departments to continually re-apply and showcase their advancements during that period. This cycle promotes a commitment to continual improvement and fosters an environment that prioritizes patient care and team development. ENA provides extensive resources and ongoing educational support for these emergency departments, assisting them in their quest for excellence.

A Bright Future for Emergency Care

Bass further articulated, "The Lantern Awards reflect not only the hard work and dedication of emergency nursing teams but also their continuous pursuit of improvement. It is a framework that aids leaders and their teams in enhancing patient care quality, refining workplace culture, and equipping staff with the necessary tools for professional growth." He noted that this recognition is indicative of a culture that is perpetually striving to better serve patients, communities, and fellow healthcare professionals.

As we celebrate these outstanding achievements, the ENA reinforces its dedication to advocating for the future of emergency nursing through education, research, and innovation. To learn more about this prestigious award program, details are available at ena.org/lantern. Through such efforts, the ENA continues to ensure that emergency departments are equipped, ready, and supported in providing the highest standards of care during critical moments.

Conclusion

As the healthcare landscape evolves, the achievements of these 126 emergency departments serve as a beacon of excellence, inspiring others in the field to pursue greatness. The 2026 ENA Lantern Awards not only celebrate past successes but also pave the way for a bright future in emergency care, setting new standards for others to aspire to.