Good Samaritan Emergency Care Recognized Globally 

KEARNEY–CHI Health Good Samaritan is proud to announce its Dr. Kenton L. Shaffer Emergency Care Center has been awarded the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award. The distinguished honor recognizes emergency departments for exceptional quality, safety, work environment and innovations in both nursing practice and emergency care.

On July 27, the ENA honored 126 emergency departments globally for exceptional innovation and evidence-based practice improvements that resulted in improved patient care and staff well-being. Good Samaritan was one of just two hospitals in Nebraska to be recognized with this year’s award.

“Its a tremendous honor, reflecting the skill and commitment of our team,” says Kati Bennett, director, Emergency Department. “Our mission is to ensure every patient receives the best possible care and experiences safe outcomes. This achievement fills us with immense pride and helps us to continue to attract the industry's finest healthcare professionals.”

As part of the application process, Good Samaritan shared stories highlighting its commitment to care and initiatives to foster employee engagement, while also providing data to reflect high-quality outcomes. Applications are reviewed and scored by the ENA Lantern Award Committee. 

Good Samaritan serves as one of the state’s only Level II Trauma Centers outside of Lincoln and Omaha. The regional referral center also features an Advanced Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is the community’s designated Primary Stroke Center, offering comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation. With support from hospital-based EMS and AirCare, Nebraska's longest standing medical helicopter service, Good Samaritan delivers rapid and excellent critical care throughout central Nebraska and northern Kansas.