The team pictured in New Orleans at the national Emergency Nurses Association 2025 conference.
Akron Children’s Boardman Emergency Department was recently named a 2025 Lantern Award recipient by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), a prestigious honor recognizing emergency departments across the country that exemplify outstanding leadership, practice, education and advocacy.
This year, a record 96 Lantern Awards were presented nationwide. Akron Children’s Boardman ER is one of only 2 pediatric hospitals in Ohio to earn this recognition.
“This award is a testament to the skill, compassion and innovation our nurses and staff bring to every patient encounter,” said Paul Olivier, vice president of Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley enterprise. “To be recognized on this list underscores the high standards of care we strive for every day. We are proud to serve our community with this level of excellence.”
For the Boardman ER team, the recognition is especially meaningful. “It’s a prestigious honor that has given us a platform to showcase the dedication and hard work we’ve invested in creating the best possible experience for our patients and families – not just within Akron Children’s, but to the broader health care community,” said Nicole Madison, senior clinical nurse manager.
Brian Wilson and Nicole Madison were integral in the hospital’s application process for the award.
Teamwork at the core
Brian Wilson, clinical coordinator, credits the award to the culture of collaboration between the department’s nurses, physicians and support staff.
“This teamwork fosters open communication, shared decision-making and a unified approach to patient care,” he said. “Without it, we wouldn’t have achieved the success we’ve seen with our departmental initiatives.”
Putting patients and families first
For families who come through the Boardman ER, the award reflects the compassionate, family-centered care that defines the team’s approach.
“This award highlights our commitment to treating all patients as if they were our own,” said Nicole. “We want the best care for our family and friends, and we strive to deliver that to every patient who seeks care here.”
Brian added that the award signals the level of care the community can expect. “Our initiatives and commitment to patient safety, quality improvement and clinical performance meet national benchmarks for emergency care,” he said. “Families can feel confident they are receiving exceptional care, close to home.”
The Lantern Award recognizes emergency departments across the country that exemplify outstanding leadership, practice, education and advocacy. This year, a record 96 Lantern Awards were presented nationwide. Akron Children’s Boardman ER is one of only 2 pediatric hospitals in Ohio to earn this recognition.
Caring for staff, too
The Lantern Award also measures staff engagement and well-being, areas that Nicole and Brian say are just as important as patient care. “First and foremost, we remember that our staff are individuals with families and responsibilities outside of work,” said Nicole. “They are incredibly important, and they deserve to be supported and heard when they have a concern.”
A meaningful recognition
For the nurses and providers on the front lines, the recognition is both validating and motivating. “Often the great care we deliver goes unnoticed because it’s simply part of who we are,” said Brian. “Receiving this award is a wonderful reminder that the level of care and professionalism we deliver is above standards.”
Looking ahead
Rather than viewing the award as the end goal, the team views it as inspiration to keep improving.
“Receiving this award just fuels our ambition to keep pushing ourselves and see what we can work on next as we prepare to apply again in a few years,” said Brian.
Nicole said the energy and ideas coming from newer staff members is exciting. “It’s nice to have staff who are invested in the department and in each other, and who are starting to ask, ‘Why do we do what we do?’ That’s how change starts. And that’s what will carry us forward.”
