CHAM earns Lantern Award for Excellence in quality, safety education

The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) Emergency Department has achieved a significant milestone, being awarded the esteemed Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award.

This accolade is bestowed upon emergency departments that exemplify outstanding performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research, making CHAM the sole hospital in the Bronx to receive such distinguished recognition.

Serving over 50,000 children annually, from newborns to young adults up to 20 years old, CHAM ED has been commended for fostering a culture of collaboration, respect, and relentless quality improvement. The department’s exceptional coordination in managing complex conditions such as sickle cell disease, along with initiatives designed to keep families well-informed and engaged, set it apart from other institutions.

“Receiving the Lantern Award was not merely a personal dream, but a testament to our whole team’s advocacy for Bronx families,” stated Janine Llamzon, DNP, MS, AGNP-c, RN, CEN, NEA-BC, Assistant Vice President, Emergency Service Line, Montefiore Health System, and Assistant Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

“This accomplishment underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional care and marks a significant milestone in CHAM ED’s ongoing efforts to redefine what is possible.”

CHAM ED’s commitment to improving the patient experience is evident through several groundbreaking initiatives. In 2021, Benjamin Quinones, BSN, RN, PCC, introduced patient experience cards in the pediatric ED. These cards provide families with essential information about their child’s medical team, expected timeframes for care, and detailed procedures, ensuring that families feel informed and reassured.

“My brother’s passing left an indelible ache in my chest, but it also fueled an unwavering determination to contribute to how we deliver pediatric care in a meaningful way,” expressed Quinones.

“By having cards that inform families about who their care team is and what is happening from the moment they enter the ED to when patients are discharged, we are adding a personal touch to care, enhancing communication among staff and, importantly, ensuring families feel informed and in control during what can be a stressful and otherwise unpredictable time.”

Since the introduction of these patient experience cards, CHAM ED has also launched other family-friendly activities such as the Teddy Bear Hospital, where children role-play as doctors or nurses caring for stuffed animals.

These initiatives have not only increased family engagement but also significantly reduced healthcare-related fears and anxiety among young patients.

In 2022, CHAM ED further enhanced its patient care process by ensuring that patients are greeted and assessed by a nurse within minutes of arrival. The triage process, averaging just 10 minutes, efficiently evaluates the severity of conditions and prioritizes treatment, significantly reducing wait times compared to national averages.

“Improving emergency medicine and nursing practice is a source of pride for us, particularly in how we foster interdisciplinary teamwork and advocate tirelessly for the best patient care,” explained Monika Czarny, MSN, RN, Associate Clinical Director of Nursing, CHAM ED.

“The CHAM ED stands out as a special place where frontline and leadership teams collaborate closely, mutually solving problems and addressing evolving needs. This is a model for success not only in pediatric emergency medicine but across healthcare.”

The Lantern Award, established in 2010, involves a comprehensive application process that includes sharing stories demonstrating an ED’s commitment to patient care and nurse wellbeing. The award, valid for three years, serves as a visible symbol to the public that excellence is valued, and exceptional care is provided.

Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems, renowned for providing exceptional quality and personalized care to approximately three million people across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. The system encompasses ten hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and over two hundred outpatient ambulatory care sites. Its advanced clinical and translational research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. Montefiore’s integrated healthcare delivery system offers coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families, making significant strides in fields like cancer, cardiology, pediatrics, and transplantation.

The CHAM ED’s receipt of the Lantern Award underscores Montefiore’s ongoing commitment to excellence in healthcare, marking a significant achievement in pediatric emergency care.