As one of 94 emergency departments around the country, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens in Jamaica received the prestigious Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association for the first time.
The award is given to teams that incorporate evidence-based practice and innovation in emergency care while remaining compassionate to patients. NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan in East Harlem was also a first-time recipient this year, and NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health received the award last year.
“We are thrilled and honored to receive the prestigious Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association. This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of our emergency nursing team,” stated Neil J. Moore, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens.
The Queens emergency department staff responds to over 88,000 patients each year. As a result of their team collaboration and quality care, the department received a Primary Stroke Center designation and is an ACEP-accredited Geriatric Emergency Department.
NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens has also been recognized for its follow-up program after emergency room visits, sepsis management, medication safety, fall prevention, restraint reduction and overall patient experience.
The Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive, Natalia Cineas, pointed out that the award is particularly notable given that numerous hospitals in the region have closed in recent years. It has more than doubled its patient volume and applied additional pressure on staff members.
“We congratulate our Queens nurses for advancing the emergency nursing profession and practice through their leadership, quality and safety improvements, research and advocacy, and we applaud this impressive recognition of their commitment to nursing excellence and exceptional patient care,” said Cineas on the “remarkable” achievement.
In 2023, the Emergency Nurses Association had a record-breaking 53 Lantern Award recipients from across the country, and it broke that record again this year. Applicants are required to answer qualitative questions that showcase qualities such as leadership, advocacy, education and research through their stories.
“The receipt of the Lantern Award reflects the unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of our entire emergency medicine team at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens,” said Dr. Denise Chuang, Director of Emergency Medicine. “This recognition underscores our commitment to safe, high-quality patient care and the creation of a supportive and positive work environment for our nursing staff.”
The hospital plans to proudly display the award in the emergency department. During the association’s annual conference in Las Vegas next month, NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens will be recognized among other exemplary emergency room departments nationwide.
“Our ED nursing team is truly a dynamic, patient-centered, collaborative, cohesive team that is the foundation of the Emergency Department. I am extremely proud of what they do every day,” said Dr. Abbi-Gail Baboolal, Chief Nursing Officer.
