MedStar Washington Hospital Center’s Nurses Honored for Excellence in Trauma and Burn Care
On September 22, 2026, MedStar Washington Hospital Center made headlines as its Trauma and Burn Emergency Resuscitation Unit was awarded the esteemed Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award. This significant accolade marks a milestone as it's the first time the hospital has received this national recognition. Out of 126 emergency departments nationwide that qualified based on excellent patient care, nursing practices, education, safety, professional development, and advocacy, MedStar Washington stands out for its commitment to improving patient outcomes.
The award shines a spotlight on the dedicated nurses behind the Trauma and Burn Unit, who specialize in the care of patients suffering from severe traumatic injuries and complex burns. Ariam Yitbarek, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer at MedStar Washington, expressed pride in the team’s unwavering commitment. "Our trauma and burn care nurses not only demonstrate excellence in their work but also lead with purpose every day," Yitbarek stated. This recognition is a testament to their dedication to providing expert and compassionate care under the most challenging circumstances.
Uniquely, the Trauma and Burn Emergency Resuscitation Unit functions separately from the hospital's main emergency department. As a designated Level I Trauma Center, it has been pivotal in responding to major crises, such as the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and other significant emergencies in the region. The specialized unit contains three major resuscitation bays and five additional bays that can adapt to increase capacity based on patient volume and severity, allowing for efficient responses during critical times.
Dr. Donna Johnson, PhD, RN, senior nursing director for Critical Care and Emergency Services at MedStar, emphasized the essential role of nurses in every stage of trauma and burn care. "This award recognizes the incredible dedication and hard work they put forth every day," stated Johnson. The Lantern Award encapsulates their commitment not just to excellence but also to clinical readiness, teamwork, and continuous improvement in patient care.
The achievement was celebrated not just within the hospital, but also highlighted by the larger healthcare community, reinforcing the importance of specialized nursing care in trauma situations. The recognition by the ENA is not merely an award; it serves as a motivator for continuous excellence and innovation in patient care practices at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
As the healthcare landscape endures continual changes and demands, honors such as the ENA Lantern Award play a crucial role in acknowledging those who strive for excellence in care delivery. The nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center exemplify what it means to provide compassionate care, and their recognition through this award is just the beginning of their continued journey towards improving trauma and burn care for the critically injured across the region and beyond.
The award shines a spotlight on the dedicated nurses behind the Trauma and Burn Unit, who specialize in the care of patients suffering from severe traumatic injuries and complex burns. Ariam Yitbarek, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer at MedStar Washington, expressed pride in the team’s unwavering commitment. "Our trauma and burn care nurses not only demonstrate excellence in their work but also lead with purpose every day," Yitbarek stated. This recognition is a testament to their dedication to providing expert and compassionate care under the most challenging circumstances.
Uniquely, the Trauma and Burn Emergency Resuscitation Unit functions separately from the hospital's main emergency department. As a designated Level I Trauma Center, it has been pivotal in responding to major crises, such as the terrorist attack on the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, and other significant emergencies in the region. The specialized unit contains three major resuscitation bays and five additional bays that can adapt to increase capacity based on patient volume and severity, allowing for efficient responses during critical times.
Dr. Donna Johnson, PhD, RN, senior nursing director for Critical Care and Emergency Services at MedStar, emphasized the essential role of nurses in every stage of trauma and burn care. "This award recognizes the incredible dedication and hard work they put forth every day," stated Johnson. The Lantern Award encapsulates their commitment not just to excellence but also to clinical readiness, teamwork, and continuous improvement in patient care.
The achievement was celebrated not just within the hospital, but also highlighted by the larger healthcare community, reinforcing the importance of specialized nursing care in trauma situations. The recognition by the ENA is not merely an award; it serves as a motivator for continuous excellence and innovation in patient care practices at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
As the healthcare landscape endures continual changes and demands, honors such as the ENA Lantern Award play a crucial role in acknowledging those who strive for excellence in care delivery. The nurses at MedStar Washington Hospital Center exemplify what it means to provide compassionate care, and their recognition through this award is just the beginning of their continued journey towards improving trauma and burn care for the critically injured across the region and beyond.
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