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Onslow Memo­r­i­al Hos­pi­tal Emer­gency Depart­ment Rec­og­nized for Excellence

August 10, 2026

Emergency Nurses Association Announces 2026 Lantern Awards

The ED Team

Onslow Memorial Hospital’s emergency department has been selected as a recipient of the 2026 ENA Lantern Award, which recognizes exceptional innovation and evidence-based practice improvements that resulted in improved patient care and staff well-being.

“This achievement is a testament to the extraordinary collaboration among our nurses, providers, technicians, support staff, and hospital leaders, all working together with a shared commitment to serving our community. We are honored to receive this distinction and remain committed to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve while continuing to advance excellence in emergency nursing and patient care,” said Monica Risner, Emergency Department Director. “Beyond recognizing excellence in patient care, the ENA Lantern Award highlights our commitment to creating a supportive and engaging workplace for nurses. It reflects the strong culture, teamwork, professional development, and employee engagement that empower our nurses to thrive and deliver exceptional care to our community.”

In late 2025, OMH introduced its redesign to streamline access to care and eliminate barriers for patients. This initiative has led to significant improvements in patient experience, reduced time to provider, and faster time to bed.

Onslow Memorial Hospital is among 126 recipients that will be recognized in upcoming ENA publications, on the ENA website and during Emergency Nursing 2026, the association’s annual conference in Phoenix, Sept. 28-Oct. 1.

“The Lantern recognizes something incredibly special. It isn’t an award for an individual or an entire hospital—it’s a recognition earned by an emergency department and the team that powers it every day,” said ENA President Dustin Bass, DNP, MHA, RN, CEN, NEA-BC. “Onslow Memorial Hospital is one of 126 emergency departments to achieve a Lantern Award this year.”

For more information on this year’s Lantern Award recipients, visit the Emergency Nurses Association website.

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