Norwalk Hospital and Saint Mary's Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut, earned 2026 Lantern Awards from the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), joining a record 126 U.S. and international emergency departments recognized for excellence in emergency care.
The two hospitals' emergency departments were honored for exceptional innovation and evidence-based practice, meeting the same standard applied to all 126 recipients nationwide.
ENA President Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, NEA-BC, said, "The Lantern recognizes something incredibly special. It isn't an award for an individual or an entire hospital - it's a recognition earned by an emergency department and the team that powers it every day. These 126 departments have demonstrated what is possible when emergency nurses lead with purpose, innovation and a relentless commitment to excellence."
To be considered for a Lantern, emergency departments submit a comprehensive application measuring how they address challenges such as ED boarding, reducing time to stroke care, improving pediatric readiness, and enhancing nurse professional development. A committee scores applications to determine annual recipients. More information about the Lantern process is available at ena.org/lantern.
"Having had the privilege of leading two emergency departments that achieved Lantern designation, I don't see it simply as an award. I see it as a framework for operational excellence that challenges leaders and teams to continuously improve patient care, strengthen workplace culture, invest in professional development and use data to drive better outcomes," Bass said.
Lantern recognition lasts three years, and recipients may reapply three years after their prior award. Since its founding in 1970, the Emergency Nurses Association has proven to be an indispensable resource to the global emergency nursing community, representing more than 40,000 members worldwide. The association advocates for patient safety, develops industry-leading practice standards and guidelines, and guides emergency health care public policy.
