St. Joseph’s Health announced that the emergency departments at both St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, N.J., and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center were honored with the 2026 Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award. The award recognizes exceptional innovation and evidence-based practice improvements that result in improved patient care and staff well-being.
“This recognition belongs to our specially trained nurses and every member of our emergency departments who serve our community with skill, compassion, and integrity,” said Debbie Smith, St. Joseph’s Health’s senior vice president and chief nursing and patient care officer. “We are proud to be recognized for creating an environment where patients receive outstanding care, and our team is empowered to excel,” she said.
St. Joseph’s Health’s emergency departments are among 126 recipients across the United States to receive this designation from the Emergency Nurses Association. It is the premier professional nursing association dedicated to defining the future of emergency nursing through advocacy, education, research, innovation, and leadership.
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“The Lantern Awards recognize the teamwork, leadership, and commitment that define outstanding emergency care throughout St. Joseph’s Health,” said Brian Dolan, St. Joseph’s Health’s director of nursing and emergency departments.
The emergency team at St. Joseph’s Health is equipped to handle any adult or pediatric emergency using the latest technology, effective treatments, and the highest safety precautions and protocols. The emergency departments are staffed by board-certified physicians highly skilled in treating all medical emergencies, as well as award-winning Magnet© nurses with special training in emergency medical care.
St. Joseph’s University Medical Center is designated as a Level II Trauma Center by the state of New Jersey and a verified Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, caring for the most complex illnesses and injuries.
Founded in 1867 by the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, St. Joseph’s Health is a world-class hospital and healthcare network supported by more than 5,000 leading and renowned physicians, nurses and care teams.
From its humble beginnings, St. Joseph’s Health has become one of the premier health systems in the state. The St. Joseph’s Health system is one of the leading clinical teaching and academic centers in the country, and has been recognized for its innovative programs and cutting-edge services.
For more information, visit www.stjosephshealth.org.
