Sharp Memorial Hospital is the first hospital in San Diego — and one of only four hospitals in California — to be recognized with a prestigious national award named for Florence Nightingale.
The Lantern Award, bestowed by the Emergency Nurses Association, recognizes emergency departments that demonstrate exceptional and innovative performance in the areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research. Only 17 hospitals across the country will receive the award this year.
The award is named in honor of Florence Nightingale, who is credited with changing nursing from an untrained job to a skilled, science-based profession. She is referred to as the “Lady of the Lamp” for her actions during the Crimean War when she worked deep into the night, bringing a lantern with her as she tended to wounded British soldiers as they slept.
“This award is a tangible symbol to our community of Sharp Memorial Hospital’s commitment to quality, evidence-based practice and innovation in emergency care,” said Emergency Department Manager Josh McCabe.
The ENA recognized Sharp with the Lantern Award for its consistent clinical methods and constant commitment to improving service. Following a recent overhaul of internal operations, wait times for emergency patients were reduced to an average of only 30 minutes. Patients who need to be admitted to the hospital now typically wait less than an hour for a bed.
Sharp staff will accept the award on Oct. 11 in Indianapolis.
