June 25, 2014

Bethesda Arrow Springs Emergency Department has been named a 2014 recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award.

The Lantern Award recognizes a select group of emergency departments that exemplify exceptional practice and innovative performance in the core areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

Arrow Springs is only one of 17 hospital EDs nationwide to receive the Lantern Award this year.

The Lantern Award is a visible symbol of an emergency department's commitment to quality, presence of a healthy work environment and accomplishment in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. TriHealth's Bethesda North Emergency Department won a Lantern Award in 2013.

"Receiving the Lantern Award from ENA is an example of the commitment the Emergency Department staff has for the patients and families we serve," said Marilyn Singleton, site manager for Bethesda Arrow Springs.

"Our staff is empowered to create a work environment that is innovative using best practices in emergency care. The ultimate outcome is a positive experience for our patients and families."

More about the Award

All emergency departments are eligible to apply for the Lantern Award, but only a select few meet the highest excellence standards. The rigorous application process requires emergency departments to submit detailed performance metrics, narratives and exemplar responses. A team of reviewers thoroughly evaluate the submissions through a blinded review process.

The Lantern Award recognition is valid for three years. The emergency team will receive the award at the 2014 ENA Annual Conference in Indianapolis this October.

The Lantern Award is named in honor of Florence Nightingale, who is credited with changing nursing from an untrained job to a skilled, science-based profession. She is referred to as the "Lady of the Lamp" for her actions during the Crimean War when she worked deep into the night, bringing a lantern with her as she tended to wounded British soldiers as they slept.