The Dorothy B. Hersh Pediatric Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award. This is the second time the department, one of the largest pediatric emergency departments in New Jersey, has earned the recognition for demonstrating exceptional leadership, practice, education, and advocacy that results in improved patient care and staff well-being.
The Lantern Award recognizes fewer than 100 emergency departments nationally each year. ENA President Ryan Oglesby, praised the recipients, stating, “These recipients demonstrate excellence in practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation that make their departments exceptional places for patients receiving care as well as for the staff working in them.”
The department’s success is rooted in its commitment to addressing the emotional and specialized needs of its young patients, which total around 22,000 infants, children, and young adults annually. A key feature is the presence of a dedicated Child Life specialist who helps children and family members cope with illness and procedures through therapeutic play and coping techniques, and aids in smoothing the transition for the approximately 1,800 children admitted annually.
One significant factor in the ENA recognition is the team’s dedication to making visits less stressful for children, especially those with autism and sensory disorders. Through inclusive training for the entire staff, Saint Peter’s has created a more positive and therapeutic environment, helping the department achieve status as a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC).
“We are proud to create a place where children receive not only expert medical attention, but also comfort and understanding during some of their most vulnerable moments,” Pam Harmon, director, Women and Children’s Division at the hospital said.
Staff training focuses on recognizing and responding to children’s unique communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral cues. Techniques include using clear communication, providing visual supports, and offering sensory accommodations such as fidget toys, sunglasses for light sensitivity, and sound-cancelling headphones. By tailoring their approach, the staff ensures that children and parents feel heard, respected, and supported.
