UNC Health Pardee Emergency Department Recognized for Excellence
UNC Health Pardee’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.
“We are incredibly honored that our emergency department has been recognized as a Lantern Award recipient. As the only hospital in Western North Carolina, this distinction reflects the unwavering commitment, compassion, expertise, and collaboration demonstrated by every member of our team. Earning this recognition is a testament to our dedication to providing safe, high-quality, patient-centered care, even in the most challenging circumstances. I am so proud of this team and the work they continue to do as they care for our community when it matters most,” said Marilee Arnold, MSN, RN UNC Health Pardee, Chief Nursing Officer.
Pardee earned this recognition through noteworthy practices as well as innovations to care, including transforming the care of behavioral health patients in the emergency department, utilizing a shared governance approach to improve the overall experience of care and care delivery, and enhanced safety initiatives.
For patients, this recognition means they are receiving care from a nationally recognized team dedicated to patient safety, evidence-based care, and excellence in emergency medicine.
UNC Health Pardee 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. “UNC Health Pardee 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.
