Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital Recognized for Emergency Care

The pediatric emergency department at the Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital has been recognized for its skill, compassion, and commitment in treating 22,000 infants, children, and young adults annually.

The Dorothy B. Hersh Pediatric Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award, which recognizes leadership, practice, education, and advocacy that resulted in improved patient care and staff well-being.

This is the second time the emergency department, which is one of the largest pediatric emergency departments in New Jersey with 14 beds and a minor-care treatment area, has received the Lantern Award.

"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," said Ryan Oglesby, president of the Emergency Nurses Association.

He said fewer than 100 emergency departments were selected this year.

"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," said Pam Harmon, director of the Women and Children's Division at The Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital.

Of the more than 20,000 pediatric emergency patients Saint Peter's treats each year, about 1,800 of them are admitted as inpatients for additional care.

Among the special services available in the pediatric emergency department is a dedicated child life specialist who attends to the emotional needs of a child and family members during a visit.

The child life specialist helps the child and family cope with illness, treatments, and procedures by using therapeutic play and offering coping techniques. If a child is admitted from the pediatric emergency department to the hospital, the child life specialist works with inpatient staff to smooth the transition.

One reason the pediatric emergency department received Emergency Nurses Association recognition is the team's commitment to making visits smoother and less stressful for children and their families.

Through inclusive training for the entire pediatric staff, the Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's University Hospital has created a more positive and therapeutic experience for all patients, including those with autism and sensory disorders, making its pediatric healthcare services more accessible and less intimidating.

The training focuses on understanding children's unique communication styles, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral cues. By learning how to recognize and respond to these specific needs, Saint Peter's staff tailors their approach to reduce potential sources of stress for the child. This may involve using clear, direct communication, providing visual support, offering sensory accommodations, and employing calming techniques when necessary.

Some of the techniques include providing patients with sensory items such as fidget toys for self-regulation, sunglasses for light sensitivities, and sound-cancelling headphones to minimize the impact of auditory stimuli.

By ensuring that clinical staff are compassionate and well-versed in working with children with different needs, the pediatric emergency department creates an environment where both the child and parent feel heard, respected, and supported.

Additionally, through these efforts, the Children's Hospital at Saint Peter's also achieved status as a Certified Autism Center by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

Story By: Chuck O'Donnell
Photo By: Tapinto New Brunswick