UC Davis Health emergency department receives prestigious Lantern Award

By Liam Connolly, UC Davis Health

The Department of Emergency Medicine at UC Davis Health has been honored by the Emergency Nurses Association with the 2024 Lantern Award. Emergency departments that receive the Lantern Award demonstrate exceptional and innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research performance.

UC Davis Medical Center is the only emergency department in Sacramento and just one of two hospitals in Northern California to receive the recognition this year. This is UC Davis Health’s second Lantern Award.

“This prestigious recognition is a testament to the outstanding care the UC Davis emergency medicine team provides to patients,” said Rupinder Sandhu, executive director for Emergency Services. “Every day, our caregivers provide the highest standard of care, and ensure our patients receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.”

The Lantern Award recognizes an emergency department’s accomplishments in incorporating evidence-based practice and innovation into emergency care. It is a visible symbol of the hospitals’ commitment to quality, safety and a healthy work environment.

As part of the nomination process, emergency departments share anecdotes highlighting their commitment to care and the initiatives to improve the well-being of their nursing staff. Applications are reviewed and scored by the ENA Lantern Award Committee. The award extends over a three-year cycle, after which emergency departments are eligible to apply again.

“It is an honor to be recognized with this award,” Sandhu added. “It highlights our team’s dedication, compassion, leadership and clinical expertise.”