July 09, 2024

The Bethesda Butler Hospital Emergency Department recently received the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award, an award they previously received in 2021. The award lasts for a three-year cycle before emergency departments are eligible to apply again.

The ENA Lantern Award was created to recognize emergency departments demonstrating exceptional and innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research performance.

“We take evidence-based practice or research projects throughout the three-year window so that we can consistently work on recertification,” said Maria Ashdown, Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive. “Our projects demonstrate actionable items or tactics we have used to improve care, especially if we have identified any mistakes we can learn from and prevent.”

“This took a tremendous amount of time and energy for our team, but the reward is well worth it,” said Anne Seibert, Senior Director, Hospital Operations and Nursing. “I am so proud of the impressive work done by our Emergency Department team. The Lantern Award is the gold stamp of approval to show the high level of quality care provided.”

When asked what this award means to the team members at Bethesda Butler’s emergency department, Ashdown said “This is the pinnacle award for emergency departments. Where the Magnet Recognition Program designates a system, the Lantern Award recognizes the specific care provided by one unit. We make sure every patient is cared for in the best possible way, and we standardize that excellence across this service line.”

All TriHealth emergency departments have active Lantern Awards, a major achievement for the emergency nursing profession. Bethesda Butler Hospital ED (2024) joins McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital (2023), Bethesda North Hospital Emergency Department (2022), Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department (2022), Bethesda Arrow Springs Emergency Department (2020), and Good Samaritan Medical Center Western Ridge ED (2020). 

Congratulations to the Bethesda Butler ED team!