Jack D. Weiler Hospital Earns ENA Lantern Award for Emergency Care
The Jack D. Weiler Hospital, part of the Montefiore Einstein Health System, has recently been awarded the esteemed Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) for its exceptional commitment to patient care and nursing excellence. This recognition highlights the hospital's dedication not only to high-quality care but also to fostering a supportive environment for its nursing staff.
Located in the Bronx, the Weiler Emergency Department (ED) treats around 70,000 patients annually, delivering vital emergency care while continuously evolving its practices to enhance patient outcomes. The ENA praised the department for its innovative triage system, professional development initiatives, and successful integration of advanced technology in its operations.
Dr. Janine Llamzon, the assistant vice president of the Emergency Service Line at Montefiore and a clinical educator, expressed her pride in the team’s achievements. "Our ED is dedicated to making crucial, life-saving decisions every day. The teamwork and purpose here are what truly drive our success," she proclaimed. "This award is a testament to our collective efforts in creating an environment that not only prioritizes patient needs but also nurtures our staff."
A standout initiative at the Weiler ED is the mentorship program that pairs veteran emergency nurses with newcomers, enhancing confidence and clinical competencies. Emely Gonzalez, a nurse with eight years of experience in the ED, shared how the supportive culture has positively influenced her career, helping her achieve her goal of obtaining a Master's degree in Nursing Education. "The encouragement from my colleagues has been invaluable. I view my coworkers as family, and our sessions for reflection and learning have strengthened our bonds," she remarked, highlighting the department's emphasis on teamwork and growth.
Another hallmark of the Weiler ED's approach is the focus on continuous improvement. The team has worked tirelessly to implement strategies that streamline patient care. For example, patients are now moved into spaces designated for their specific needs, which has improved communication and expedited medicinal interventions while ensuring patient privacy. This strategy showcases the ED's commitment to innovatively supporting patients while maintaining a high level of care.
Further advancing their operations, the Weiler ED has incorporated electronic tracking systems into their care processes, allowing nurses to monitor the completion of necessary tests like x-rays and CT scans more effectively. Additionally, the adoption of a mobile medication scanning system ensures accuracy in real-time medication dosing, reinforcing the hospital's advocacy for patient safety.
Kayla McFarlane, the clinical director of the Weiler ED, emphasized the impact of technology on emergency nursing. "Having immediate access to new tools empowers us to advocate for our patients better," she stated. "The advancements we've made so far are remarkable, and we are excited to continue to innovate and enhance our practices further."
Previously, in 2024, the Children's Hospital at Montefiore was also honored with the Lantern Award. This shared recognition underscores the commitment of the Montefiore Health System to deliver high-quality care across its facilities.
As one of New York's prominent academic health systems, Montefiore Health System prides itself on providing personalized, accountable care to nearly three million individuals across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. With ten hospitals under its umbrella and over two hundred outpatient locations, Montefiore aims to integrate comprehensive healthcare with exceptional educational experiences through its affiliation with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
The Lantern Award not only acknowledges the outstanding emergency services provided at the Jack D. Weiler Hospital but also highlights the necessity of continuous education and innovation in nursing. As the field evolves, so does the commitment of Montefiore to lead in medical excellence and patient advocacy. To learn more about the Emergency Nurses Association and the Lantern Award, visit their official website at ena.org.