Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Adult Emergency Department

Charlotte, North Carolina

Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center (CMC) offers quaternary care throughout the 652 licensed bed facility. The 43-bed adult emergency department is the only designated level (1) trauma center located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

With a volume of nearly 70,000 per year, CMC offers care for the most complex patient cases and has achieved the status of Comprehensive Stroke Center validated by the Joint Commission and recognized by the J. Lee Garvey Chest Pain Network for exceptional cardiac care.

As an ANCC Magnet® designated facility, pursuing the ENA Lantern Award seemed like a perfect adjunct to exemplify the exceptional care delivered by the phenomenal CMC Main emergency department team. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, the adult emergency department team has created innovative solutions to complex and changing problems working together to achieve outstanding and sustainable outcomes. Several outcomes highlighted throughout the application included partnering with a military training program to provide clinical experiences while integrating into the clinical schedule, maximizing a security Rover program incorporating workplace violence prevention tactics, and supporting the emergency department teammates through regular Lavender Wednesday programs hosted by our spiritual care colleagues.

We were thrilled to have over (30) of our emergency department staff and physician partners eagerly help with the application and we held a submission event in February to celebrate the collective effort the application process produced. We are proud of the Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center emergency department for achieving this award which reflects the team’s daily dedication to excellent care delivery.