RUSH University Medical Center’s emergency department received the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award — the highest team honor given by the ENA — in July 2023. The emergency department was one of 53 departments nationwide to earn the distinction for demonstrating exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.
“We’re extremely proud of our entire team because they have been so involved with the changes we’ve made to make everything better for our staff, patients and the hospital,” said Chase Lodico, MBA, RN, CEN, unit director of the emergency department. “This award recognizes that we truly are a standout emergency department.”
Caring for the Community
The emergency department cared for more than 61,000 patients in 2023 as the pandemic eased. This included patients from Chicago’s West Side safety net hospitals and victims of sexual assault. Through pilot programs and workflow improvements, patients received appropriate care quicker, medical errors were reduced and the department went almost a year without a patient fall that resulted in injury.
Caring for Each Other
Strong support systems were vital to clinical success. New employee orientation was strengthened with improved resources, including an enhanced preceptor program that fosters connections. Also, to further connect RUSH with its West Side neighbors, apprenticeships introduced community members to health care careers.
In addition, the team took ownership of ongoing education. Nurses proposed and developed their own programming to address competencies. Staff-led wellness initiatives also contributed to the knowledge base and overall team well-being.
As a result, the emergency department’s turnover rate reached a low of 4% — far below national numbers.
“Our collaborative approach gives staff a sense of ownership,” said Lodico. “Our team deserves great credit for building a culture where we support each other and work together to improve every day.”