Resource Overview
- The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award recognizes EDs demonstrating excellence in leadership, practice, education, advocacy, quality, and research.
- Supports use of the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Assessment to evaluate Pediatric Readiness.
- Reinforces Pediatric Readiness as a marker of excellence in emergency nursing care.
How to Use This Resource
- Use the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Assessment to identify gaps and guide improvements aligned with Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award domains.
- Engage a multidisciplinary team to implement Pediatric Readiness initiatives and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
- Highlight Pediatric Readiness in your Lantern application and communications, including use of the Lantern Award recognition and seal during the three-year award period.
The ENA Lantern Award Program recognizes emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional, innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research. It is open to all EDs (including international sites) through a competitive application process that evaluates outcomes, innovation, and sustained excellence.
Award recipients must achieve a high performance score and are recognized nationally, receive a physical award and official seal for use during the three-year designation period, and may reapply to maintain recognition.
- Emergency departments must complete a comprehensive online application that includes narrative responses and supporting data demonstrating performance, innovation, and measurable outcomes.
- Applications are reviewed through a blinded, standardized evaluation process, and departments must achieve a minimum score (typically 80%) to receive the award.
- The Lantern Award is valid for three years, during which recipients receive national recognition and may reapply in future cycles by demonstrating ongoing excellence and sustained improvements.