HCA Healthcare hospital earns emergency department award from national nursing group

HCA Healthcare is proud to announce affiliate Swedish Medical Center’s Emergency Department as a recipient of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award in 2018. Swedish, located in Denver, Colorado, is one of only 19 hospitals in the U.S. to earn this prestigious honor.

The Lantern Award “recognizes emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.” Swedish will hold the award for a three-year period.

“Congratulations to the nursing staff and the entire emergency department at Swedish Medical Center,” said Jane Englebright, RN, PhD, chief nursing executive at HCA Healthcare. “This award is further evidence that HCA Healthcare-affiliate nurses are leading the way in safe and high-quality patient care to thousands of patients each year.”

Swedish Medical Center is a level 1 trauma center with the capability to provide the highest level of care to critically ill patients. Last year, the 44 bed emergency department (ED) had over 57,000 patient visits. More than 6,900 encounters were pediatric patients and 1,700 visitors were designated as a level 1 trauma patients.

“It is an incredible accomplishment to be recognized for this coveted award and it reflects our emergency department’s commitment to emergency nursing excellence and the very highest level of patient care,” said Ryan Thornton, Chief Nursing Officer at Swedish Medical Center.

This is the second consecutive time Swedish has been named a Lantern Award recipient. The Lantern Award is named in honor of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, who is also referred to as the “Lady of the Lamp” for her actions during the Crimean War.

“We’re excited to bestow 19 emergency departments with the Lantern Award this year,” said ENA President Jeff Solheim, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN, CFRN, FAEN, FAAN. “The Lantern Award acts as a visible symbol to patients that the receiving emergency department values excellence and delivers exceptional care. It shines a light on that emergency department’s commitment to providing safe practice and safe care. These departments truly deserve this year’s award.”

In 2016, Swedish made national headlines for a trial to reduce the administration of opioids to patients in the emergency department. The new strategy involved development of a new pain treatment program that used ‘alternatives to opioids’ or ALTO therapies. Efforts from the program significantly reduced opioid administration providing the basis for an ongoing, statewide multi-center trial, the creation of new state opioid guidelines, and ultimately, the reduction in opioid usage and a revolutionary shift in Colorado’s approach to pain management.

Other accomplishments of the Swedish ED include ongoing emergency staff development, implementation of successful fall prevention measures, and advocacy for patient care.

The Lantern Award will be on display in the emergency department at Swedish Medical Center. The hospital and caregivers will be recognized at the Emergency Nurses Association’s annual conference.

Swedish Medical Center, a member of the HealthONE network of hospitals and affiliate of HCA Healthcare, is located in the south metro Denver area where it has been a proud member of the community for more than 110 years.

HCA Healthcare 50th Anniversary
In 1968, HCA Healthcare was conceived by two physicians and an accomplished business leader — Dr. Thomas Frist Sr., Dr. Thomas Frist Jr., and Jack Massey. This year, HCA Healthcare celebrates its golden anniversary and the culture of caring established by our three founders 50 years ago. To help us celebrate our 50th year, we’ll share stories here that reflect HCA Healthcare’s mission – above all else, the care and improvement of human life – and our pledge to improve life and make history for the next 50 years and beyond.