Hartford HealthCare's 2024 Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing Recipients

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest impact for patients and colleagues. Alysha Medina, BSN, RN, CCRN, takes special care to treat patients with dignity at Backus Hospital. She is known to spend extra time brushing and styling a patient's hair to prevent tangles and give the patient a sense of normalcy in a trying time. Her compassion is not limited to the bedside. Medina is always working to keep spirits and morale up on her unit, creating interactive recognition boards and evidence-based educational materials for colleagues. With an exceptional level of enthusiasm, creativity and dedication to nursing, her upbeat nature has a positive impact on patients and coworkers alike.

Chelsea Voelker, RN, is recognized at Backus Hospital as a tireless advocate for patients and colleagues alike. She is always willing to impart her knowledge as a preceptor to nurse residents, but also takes time and effort to expose nursing students to new learning opportunities. At the bedside, Voelker puts patient care above all else, as illustrated when a patient was nearing the end of life with no immediate family present. Voelker made sure her other patients were tended to and then stayed with the dying patient, holding a hand until the patient passed. She is a role model of what every nurse should aspire to be.

Cheryl Plecan, RN has spent her more than 30-year career at Backus Hospital, currently as a nurse in same-day surgery. She has earned the respect and admiration of both patients and colleagues and is known for fearlessly advocating for her patients. When a patient’s condition worsened after a procedure, Plecan identified the early warning signs and advocated to have the patient admitted. Outside the hospital, Plecan is very active in her community and her church, where she is a Sunday School teacher, choir member and volunteer.

Emma Rooney, RN, BSN, is regarded as one of the most patient and enthusiastic preceptors in her department at Backus Hospital. In her time as a charge nurse, she has led her team with calm, confident and sound decision making. When teachable moments arise, Rooney makes sure to include other nurses, educating and informing them on the situation, resulting in maximized learning potential. She loves to teach other nurses, coaching and mentoring from the beginning to the end of their journey, and always takes the initiative to resolve problems before they arise, all while precepting and managing her busy workload.

At Backus Hospital, Kathryn Wyland, RN, BSN, breaking the stigma of mental health. Her dedication to patients knows no bounds. Wyland has washed and braided patients’ hair, and provided clothing, shoes and bras for patients who have none. By understanding and treating the “whole person,” she raises their self esteem and confidence, setting the stage for improved outcomes. She has taken it upon herself to make sure patients being discharged to domestic violence shelters and DCF custody are equipped with outfits, better preparing them for the journey ahead. Her kindness and understanding of the correlation between self-worth and mental health has impacted countless patients.

At Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Ashley Cole, RN, BSN, is quick to lend a hand and guidance to anyone who needs it. When the Emergency Department faced an unprecedented volume of patients this winter, Cole's supervisory workload also increased. Between the daily challenges and a seemingly endless stream of phone calls, she did not stop. She made her way to the ED whenever possible to offer help, whether that was patient care, transport or anything that was needed. When a critical situation occurred on the inpatient behavioral health unit during off hours, Cole led the team to a safe patient outcome and secured the patient environment.

As a clinical leader in the operating room at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, Linda Gryniuk, RN, has a strong sense of responsibility when it comes to supporting, mentoring and developing the next generation of OR nurses. She has worked tirelessly to listen to her team and advocate in their best interests. Her work in a community hospital means that Gryniuk often cares for patients who are neighbors and friends. If she doesn’t know them, patients leave feeling like old friends. Gryniuk's commitment to her community is the foundation of her entire nursing practice.

Catherine “Catie” Santarsiero, RN, MSN, APRN, serves as regional director of nursing quality at The Hospital of Central Connecticut. Santasiero's extensive nursing background is the bedrock of a career based on compassion, empathy and a desire to provide the best in patient care. She is credited with creating Hartford HealthCare’s first peer support program for physicians, advanced practitioners and nurses. During COVID, Santasiero led the charge to activate a systemwide Colleague Support Center benefiting 37,000 colleagues. Her initiatives and training models have received regional, system and national attention. She is passionate about implementing best practices to reduce patient harm while increasing patient safety.

Jennifer Warren, RN, is the primary preceptor for new staff at The Hospital of Central Connecticut Bradley Memorial Campus Emergency Department (ED). In that role, she creates an educational and supportive environment that ensures success. A longtime resident of Southington, Warren is affectionately called the “Mayor” of the Bradley ED, where many patients know her and her family and are always happy to see a familiar face during a trying time. With her deep roots in the town and Bradley Memorial Hospital, Warren's legacy is rooted in her abundance of knowledge of all the departments, the hospital’s history and her ties to the community.

Lillian May, RN, BSN, is a nurse in the Emergency Department at The Hospital of Central Connecticut who leads by example both in and out of the hospital. With a background as an EMT and having been deployed with the U.S. Army, she brings innumerable leadership qualities to her unit, where she has become a valuable preceptor and mentor to many. Her willingness to help train and mentor has provided confidence for incoming nurses who know they can count on May. Out of concern for the community, May created and coordinates an annual toy and gift drive for children in New Britain, which last year supported 35 families at Christmas.

With excellent communication skills and a “can-do” attitude, Sabra Dunn, RN, BSN, OCN, is beloved at The Hospital of Central Connecticut. The oncology nurse educator is always ready and willing to pitch in wherever and whenever needed. When a patient was being discharged but needed his wheelchair, Dunn hopped into her car and brought it to the hospital. She has been known to diffuse emotional situations, calmly helping patients and their families through an upsetting time. She has a reputation for being dependable in any job she tackles and is never afraid to roll up her sleeves and contribute when it’s needed most.

“Jack of all trades” is what colleagues call Sarah Viggiano, RN, BSN, at The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC). As a nurse educator, Viggiano is constantly striving to create education, improve educational resources and mentor nurses. When a unit faced increased patient falls, she created and led a curriculum that ultimately led to a 75% decrease in falls. Viggiano is well-known at HOCC and MidState Medical Center as someone who is always willing to support new initiatives to help foster colleague learning. She finds absolute joy in developing creative ways of building and shaping the learning experience for new nurses and nursing staff.

Matthew Bielomyza, LPN, brings something “extra” to Hartford HealthCare at Home. As a certified wound care nurse, he bears a heavy and complex workload yet always makes himself available for questions and consults with humility, patience and an approachable demeanor. Bielomyza is assigned many complex patients, one in particular being a gunshot wound victim who was living in a hotel. Bielomyza was diligent, often tracking the patient down in a different town and making sure he received the proper services despite the patient’s poor follow-through and a challenging dynamic.

Kimberly Romajas, RN embodies the spirit of personalized care for patients on Pavilion B at Midstate Medical Center. She has an uncanny ability to connect with oncology patients and families at every level. When a patient with special needs was admitted for chemotherapy, Romajas took special steps to make sure the patient felt safe, special and comfortable. Even through a poor prognosis, she was able to raise the patient’s spirits with activities, conversation and support that made a world of difference. She is always available to celebrate a patient’s completion of chemo and often keeps in touch after their treatment.

Regarded as an anchor in the perioperative division at MidState Medical Center, Sunil Bellore, RN, is a nurse colleagues turn to first when they need assistance. It is said that “he is always agreeable, with a can-do attitude, finding creative solutions every day." Bellore not only assures that his department is supported but also looks out for the best interests of other departments. When the Emergency Department was facing critical volume challenges, he mobilized and made several rooms available on short order for their use. In one family’s darkest hour, Bellore played in an integral role in helping them say their last goodbyes before their loved one became an organ donor.

Sylvie Fortin O'Connell, RN is regarded as a “nurse’s nurse” at the Midstate Medical Center Family Birthing Center. Returning mothers are known to request O'Connell as their nurse. She is considered a clinical expert in triage, labor and delivery, postpartum, and nursery, and has oriented more staff than any other nurse. It’s not unusual for O'Connell to clock out only to return to help a patient with pushing techniques during childbirth. When passing a patient’s room, her calming voice can be heard saying, “Ok, sweet girl, you can do this." On the busiest days, she has the ability to rally her coworkers to perform at their highest level.

Natchaug Hospital is a busy place, treating children, adolescents and adults with mental illness substance abuse issues. Gino D'Eliseo, RN is always at the ready, assisting with whatever support is necessary, from patient observations to conducting room searches. Recently, D'Eliseo helped support and de-escalate a patient who did not want to leave the property. He is generous with his time, making sure to talk with patients who need additional support. D'Eliseo is meticulous when reviewing incoming admissions, making sure all details are addressed and asking for staff nurse feedback to best prepare. He listens to nurses and makes staff feel validated when they come to him with concerns.

Lenka Horsakova, RN is a charge nurse at Natchaug Hospital, which provides inpatient care for children, adolescents and adults with mental illness or substance abuse issues. She takes a genuine interest in her patients, getting to know them on a personal and clinical level. This personalized care helps Horsakova take care of them to the best of her ability and problem-solve when issues arise. She is a role model among her colleagues who report never seeing her have an “off day.” Her excellent communication skills go far in making sure her patient’s needs are relayed to providers and setting staff up for success every day.

As a charge nurse at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Adam Agyemang, BSN, RN has keen observational skills and excels in proactive crisis management. Agyemang leads, coaches and holds team members accountable. His profound sense of respect and awareness for cultural diversity and sensitivity came into play recently when a female patient of Muslim faith was admitted. When a staff member removed her hijab (head covering) , the patient was traumatized and upset. Agyemang stepped in and, ultimately, returned the hijab to the patient. He used the experience to educate colleagues by printing out information on the religious significance of the hijab.

As a charge nurse on the evening shift at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Helen Ditchkus, RN, BSN, exudes competence and compassion. Always focused on patient-centered care, safety and advocacy, it’s not unusual to hear that Ditchkud paid for a patient’s prescriptions or a meal for a visiting family member if the need arises. Quietly and discretely, she respects their dignity without drawing attention to her altruism. She uses her many years of experience to mentor, guide and set an example for the next generation of nurses. A colleague notes, “Her exemplary care and professionalism are the gold standard to which all healthcare providers should aspire.”

As a clinical nurse leader on the child adolescent unit at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Renee Divine, BSN, RN is known to patients and families as kind and caring. From gathering costumes to sorting candy, Renee organized a Halloween costume parade for young patients. To her colleagues, she is known as a nurse who is quick to support, mentor and advocate in the best interest of her team. Divine makes herself available outside of work hours to ensure that staff have the support if needed. She has received phone calls at home to help navigate a crisis and has come in on weekends to make herself available for newly-hired orientees.

Stacey Piotrowski, RN, plays a big role on the radiation oncology team at St. Vincent’s Medical Center and has been called “a beam of light” in the department. She takes special care to tend to patients from the moment they arrive until well after their treatment is over. During difficult situations, Piotrowski makes sure patients and families are comforted and well-equipped for their next steps, often spending money out of her own pocket to buy prescriptions or food that they cannot afford. She is the one colleagues call when the going gets tough. She also makes a difference in the community by teaching CPR to local Boy Scouts.

As a nurse in the NICU at St. Vincent's Medical Center, Sue Bousa, BSN, RN has influenced, mentored and trained countless nurses. Never hesitating to help, colleagues remember Bousa jumping into action when a mother's labor turned complicated. Working swiftly with the team, she began resuscitating the newborn and the event came to a happy conclusion. She has educated both staff and community about the important work done in the St. Vincent’s NICU, and is a member of several committees, ensuring that babies have a voice and her team has what they need to take care of them.

As the Epic clinical documentation instructional designer for Hartford HealthCare’s System Support Office, Athena Mains, RN, provides quality instruction that reflects the most challenging workflows for nursing educators, nurses, nurse managers and credentialed trainers. She played a lead role in HHC’s Rapid Nurse Improvement initiative by developing innovative educational solutions through eLearning curriculums, proficiency assessments and surveys. Outside of work, she established the Connecticut Nurse Honor Guard chapter which provides a Nightingale ceremony for deceased nurses during their funeral service, not only paying tribute to the nurse but validating the role nurses play in the lives of their patients. She also serves as a nurse at her church’s youth retreats.

Kimberly Diamond, RN, was the first nurse navigator at the Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute, and has assisted countless patients through the entire continuum of care. She is a vital part of the team and helps train and mentor new navigators, tapping an extensive and first-hand background in urologic clinical care that isn’t limited to physical health. When a patient indicated mental health struggles, Diamond took the time to sit with the patient, listen to their concerns and assess their state. She heard the patient, connected them to the necessary resources during a difficult time and followed up to ensure the person was safe.

Killeen Dwyer, RN is the quintessential team player at Windham Hospital. Never one to ignore an opportunity to help, she’s the one helping shorthanded units by taking vitals, blood sugars and tending to patient hygiene. She’s also known for her bedside manner, taking special care to make nervous patients more relaxed, explaining procedures or just spending a few extra minutes with them. There may be no greater praise than what one colleague offered, stating, “If I were to be hospitalized, I would want Killeen as my nurse because she displays empathy, passion, selflessness and commitment to providing extraordinary service to her patients.”

Stephanie Dean, BSN, RN is a positive force at Windham Hospital. Part of the clinical ladder program, she has initiated and promoted continued education in her department and on committees. She is always seeking solutions, fostering collaboration and mentoring and supporting those around her. She is passionate about delivering the best care to patients and their families. There may be no higher praise than that of a mother whose sick child returned to the Emergency Department and discovered that Dean was yet again the child’s nurse. She was happy and relieved to see her at her child’s side, noting the nurse’s calm and patient demeanor.

Aleck is one of the most patient and enthusiastic preceptors in the Emergency Department. He loves to teach other nurses and coach and mentor them from beginning to the end of their journey. When situations arise, he will make a point to have those he precepts be part of these situations (trauma, critical patients) to maximize their learning.

Amanda has been a Nurse for six years and she never stops evolving and growing. She recently took TNCC to be able to take care of trauma patients when needed. She covered night shift PCU/ICU during the pandemic. Amanda is bilingual and often steps up to help Spanish-speaking patients feel more informed/educated and comfortable.

Crystal never hesitates to take charge when it’s needed. A patient was weeks away from being homeless and Crystal took it on to make calls both within the hospital and to outside agencies to ensure the patient remained housed.

The pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to all of healthcare, including the IV Therapy Department. One of the added responsibilities of the IV team is providing outpatient infusions to COVID patients with the Monoclonal Antibody. This is a labor-intensive treatment. This challenge did not deter Era Mae. She recognized the value and life-saving benefit this treatment brings to our patients and community. She took the lead and has helped develop this program from the grassroots to its current successful state today.

Melanie is very focused on supporting the patients in the behavioral health unit. Once there was a patient who had a habit of self-mutilation to her arms and hands. On the unit, we tried to cover her arms and hands with coban, band-aids, long sleeve shirts, even mitts. That was embarrassing for her. Melanie had a conversation with the patient and together they came up with a plan to try winter gloves. Melanie purchased the gloves. This allowed the patient to have some decisions in her care and offered a solution that was less restrictive and made her feel more comfortable with her peers.

Regina is not only a caring mentor, she models professional nursing behavior that is inspiring to everyone around her. Her dedication, commitment, reliability, and compassion are unparalleled. Gina takes each new nurse and guides them to be successful despite some of the most challenging times. She has served as a mentor to nurses returning to obtain a BSN and celebrates with them the completion of their nurse residency. It was clearly evident with the graduation several weeks ago - tears of happiness and hugs from her residents.

Kim Shreders, RN, serves in Charlotte Hungerford Hospital’s fifth-floor patient unit but with her exceptional clinical skills and cross-training, she assists with a smile in many other areas where needed. She is an excellent mentor who is calm, pleasant, and professional in every interaction. Her colleagues feel supported by her long after they come off orientation. Kim is everything you would want in a nurse caring for you and your family or working alongside you and is an excellent patient advocate that goes above and beyond to ensure all her patients are well cared for.

Michelle Zarrella has been a Registered Nurse at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital serving for over 30 years, the majority of time in the Emergency Department where she still has the motivation, enthusiasm, drive, and compassion of a new graduate nurse. During several COVID surge periods, Michelle helped cover many additional shifts to make sure the department never skipped a beat.

As the Diabetes Nurse Educator, Jackie has gone above and beyond to make sure that patients with diabetes are cared for safely and educated appropriately. She created a Diabetes Champion Program, in which champions from each unit volunteer to be the experts on diabetes in their respective areas for educating staff and patients. She holds monthly meetings for the champions to assure they keep up their knowledge and skills. This program has been attempted in the past, but Jackie has been able to maintain a champion group with 70+ participants for more than eight months!

Mae has been an integral part of the HOCC community for 33 years and has been a part of our perioperative area for 23 years. Mae assisted in the creation of an orientation plan for our new perioperative hires because she so strongly believes in the retention of our nurses. She wants to maintain a cohesive and excellent ASU team, in which new hires or transfers feel supported. She helped create a procedural training book for new hires, which is an invaluable tool.

Meg is an integral part of the Southington community as the lead nurse in the Bradley infusion center. She is the face of excellent nursing care at Bradley and patients recognize her in and around the community for patient advocacy, optimal cancer care, and support throughout the cancer care trajectory. She brings anxious oncology patients a supportive embrace as they face their journey with cancer. The patients at our infusion center identify her as “their resource” and can rely on her for a quick question by phone or as a bridge to the physician when they have concerns.

As a nurse manager, Wendy has reduced nurse triple assignments significantly - from 45 percent to less than 2 percent. This has reduced burnout and supported nurses in safe appropriate assignments to care for critical care patients per national guidelines. She recruits nurses to critical care and continues to provide appropriate staffing coverage to keep patients safe and reduce staff burnout. Wendy has built collaborative partnerships with nursing affiliated schools during clinical rotations enhancing the new hire pipeline to ensure vacant positions are filled with a rapid turnaround time.

As a Clinical Supervisor at Hartford HealthCare at Home, Virginia “Gina” Brown is a go-to source of knowledge and support for the hospice team. She is known for her kind, trusted, and calm demeanor, even during the most difficult times. Her team shared, “a successful team is one that has a manager that listens, encourages, supports and teaches” and this allows them to be their best and provide the best care for their patients.

Shelly has been an instrumental force in the growth of the Telemonitor Program at HHCAH. With 128 Telemonitor Units in the program when Shelly began, there are now well over 300. Throughout her role, Shelly’s noticeable expertise and thoughtfulness allow her to be committed to gaining the trust of patient families and excellence with staff. Regardless of what circumstances come her way, Shelly brings a source of wisdom and proficiency to the Telemonitor Program that is instrumental to their growth and success.

Mikael demonstrated discretionary and a humanistic effort when he went above and beyond for a patient who was in the hospital and wasn’t eating. The patient mentioned that they had a craving for Filipino cuisine. Mikael, who was not the patient’s nurse, but heard about the situation, went out of his way to make the patient the type of food they were craving and it proved beneficial – the patient started eating again, which helped with their recovery. Mikael’s actions were well received by his colleagues and speak to his passion and dedication to patient care. Additionally, Mikael has been recognized by capstone and nursing students for his welcoming and approachable demeanor – creating a positive learning environment.

There is such a thing as ‘everyday excellence’ and this is what Brenda brings – all of herself every day, knowing her patients beyond the medical history and nursing tasks, but on a personal level thinking outside the box to meet the patient’s needs. Brenda is part of the ‘glue’ of Pavilion E, keeping a steady focus on her patients and fellow nurses. She works ‘under the radar’ – quietly, competently, compassionately, and humbly caring for others.

Early in the pandemic, there were COVID patients desatting simultaneously. Christine managed both patients quickly, providing them with high-flow oxygen that they desperately needed. Between communicating with the RT, and the MD and being at the bedside with her patients, she was able to stabilize them. In a case like this where multiple patients were decompensating at the same time, most nurses would panic, and rightfully so. Christine worked quickly and without panic, even if she was panicking on the inside you wouldn’t know it.

Karen volunteered to start teaching clinical for a new CNA program at MidState in alliance with a local community college, with the goal of onboarding these students into becoming potential hires and employees for HHC. She’s also spearheading the PEAs program, which trains student nurses to intern learning about the hospital and patient experience early in their education before they start their nursing clinicals.

Michelle Bousquet has been a nurse for four years. With her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she has focused the majority of her career as a registered nurse on mental health and substance abuse. She enjoys the teamwork of the field, working together with mental health workers, other registered nurses, therapists, and other staff to ensure a therapeutic and safe milieu for patients. From admissions, through daily observations, group therapy, and medication reconciliation, there is constant communication and collaborative work. Her co-workers turn to her for advice and she often offers a neutral standpoint, giving direct, unbiased support. She makes sure her peers and patients feel heard. She previously worked part-time as a nurse consultant for a small childcare facility, updating health records, completing staff training and certifications, and helping to develop specialized wellness plans for children as needed. She fosters dogs through Next Stop Forever and East Coast Canine Rescue and participates in local community clean-up days. She also donates blood to the American Red Cross when she is eligible.

Kimberly Whipple has been a nurse for nine years, the past seven have been at Rushford. During this time, she has had the opportunity to work in almost every nursing position. Currently, she is the RN Team Lead and also oversees the Behavioral Health Home program. She is a BLS instructor and the administrator of the RQI program. Additionally, she developed and oversaw the COVID testing program for the Meriden facility. She has been the chair of the client safety committee for the past three years.

Kimberly has been regularly recognized for her discretionary effort by several Rushford programs and by leadership this year. Her consistency and willingness to help have allowed her to assist many clients, staff, and programs beyond her Behavioral Health Home program.

Emmy was hired as a float RN at the start of the pandemic. Her orientation was modified and focused strictly on achieving proficiency for our Covid medical units, with the promise of completing orientation post-pandemic. Emmy accepted the challenge. After 8 weeks Emmy began working at 9 North, a medical-respiratory unit, whose bed count was increased from 22 to 32 patients to accommodate the increased volume of Covid patients. She was dedicated to supporting the 9 North staff, was a positive force when every shift provided overwhelming staffing and care challenges, and always provided compassionate care to the very ill patient population. There were shifts Emmy left in tears; feeling that having given everything she had, it was still not enough for her patients. She always returned for her next shift with a renewed resolve to work harder and do more for her patients.

Pat lives and breathes nursing not just as a profession but as a calling. She has a very strong work ethic. Her “can do” attitude separates her from most. She is unselfish and will stop to share an experience or coach in real-time without hesitation. Using a supportive approach she has been known to jump into clinical situations or clinical care as needed for the better good of the team and patient care. Her dedication and loyalty are demonstrated daily through her work ethic; she willingly works long hours connecting with staff and patients enhancing the human experience at all levels and displays consistent efforts to drive quality improvements, reliability, and perseverance. She is a great nurse and is committed to providing compassionate care to patients and staff alike that exceed expectations. Pat is a servant leader at work, who places discretionary efforts and understands the mission at the local level and in the community. She is an influential proven leader that has been the catalyst for positive change at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Behavioral Health Services. She operates with a great deal of integrity, consistency, and the utmost respect for diversity and humanity.

Jessica’s commitment to nursing and her patients is on display every day. She recently advocated for a patient who had a change in mental status based on a report she received from the ED. Jessica spoke with the provider until a CT and MRI were ordered. The patient was having a stroke and thanks to Jessica’s persistence, the patient was treated and is on the road to recovery. Jessica cares for her colleagues just as much as she cares for her patients. She helped to initiate well-being coloring sheets on the unit that was repurposed on other units and throughout the system. She is also a preceptor and mentor to new nurses and follows up with new staff long after orientation is over.

Kristyn, or Krissy, has served as a preceptor for new ED nurses for seven years. She takes each new hire under her wing and teaches them everything there is to know about being an ED nurse. She debriefs with the new hires after each shift, oftentimes via text, and always makes herself available even when orientation is over. One orientee was having a difficult time acclimating to the ED but Krissy spent countless hours figuring out different approaches to teach the new hire to be successful in the ED. Krissy goes above and beyond in the care she provides to staff and her patients, constantly arising to the need of serving as a preceptor in the ED. She has also assisted the new graduate nurses in the nurse residency program.

As a senior nurse in the ICU with over 35 years of experience at St. Vincent’s, Tracy is well qualified to care for the highest acuity patients and has translated her knowledge base into being an outstanding mentor and preceptor. She is also frequently a charge nurse and responds to in-house medical emergencies. In both these capacities, she offers teaching and support to staff nurses throughout the hospital and is a role model to her fellow ICU nurses. In addition to providing consummate nursing care, Tracy has an amazing gift of establishing a strong rapport with every patient and family member, regardless of their background, reducing their anxiety, and putting them at ease. Tracy will visit her patients when they have transferred to other parts of the hospital, no longer needing critical care. Tracy was the first nurse from the ICU to volunteer for the COVID vaccination clinics, responding immediately when the call for nurses was made.

Within a year of taking on a new role as a stroke nurse navigator, Candice has elevated the nursing care of the stroke patient population. She guides stroke patients and their families through care transitions, rounds independently on stroke patients, and offers support and expertise. Candice not only follows stroke patients through different care environments within the hospital, such as the emergency department and the ICU but will also follow up with them in rehab and call them once they are discharged. She has established herself as a reliable resource for nurses, guiding them through the NIHSS exam, demonstrating swallow evaluations, and offering advice on a patient’s deficits. Candice is also a member of the stroke task force and is committed to educating first responders in the community on stroke prevention, symptom recognition, and action plans.

Liz is the system director of Customer and Patient Relations. Over the past year, Liz and her team of eight answered more than 12,000 calls (more than double over last year), responding to each with empathy and focus to ensure each patient and family member received the best and most appropriate responses. Liz has built a team that is skilled at de-escalation. Last year, Liz was asked and agreed to conduct de-escalation training across SSO. Liz is now leading HHC’s Mutual Care and Mutual Respect (MCMR) initiative, collaborating across the system to address incivility between caregivers and patients and among colleagues.

As an infection control nurse, Rachael shared her knowledge, skills and more importantly provided continuous support to not only the nursing staff but to the entire clinical team. She is the nurse that we all turned to as our resource to teach, guide, coach, and impart her wisdom during such a challenging time. Although her role as infection prevention nurse required countless hours, Rachael adjusted her schedule to lead the region’s vaccination efforts. She rotated as nurse lead and administered hundreds of vaccines in our clinic.

When she joined the Urology team at Tallwood Urology & Kidney Institute over five years ago, Courtney Kelley was responsible for urodynamic testing and brought a dedication and work ethic to her job rarely seen among nurses, let alone any colleague. She has since transitioned to our Men’s Health team with myself and Elizabeth Reynolds, APRN. We care for men through very private and troubling times in their lives as they struggle with infertility, sexual dysfunction, urinary troubles, and genitourinary cancers. Throughout it all, I have had only the highest compliments about Courtney from patients about her compassion, patience, and reliability.

Hannah always puts her patients first however; there is one patient situation that stands out. We had a challenging patient who had a complex family dynamic. He had a BMI of 65 and his condition continued to slowly deteriorate. The patient was transferred to our medical-surgical floor as a comfort patient where Hannah took over. The pain and symptom management really became challenging but with collaboration between Hannah and the physician, it was determined that a Ketamine drip may be the solution. Ketamine for comfort had never been done here at Windham Hospital. The plan included Pharmacy, Nursing Education, and Leadership. The patient passed peacefully several hours later.

Kim has offered to orient, mentor, and support new staff members in the Windham ED. She always is teaching others and provides detailed care to the patients. She recently became a charge nurse in the department and is seen as a leader and a resource. Kim never sits still and is seen running through the department to ensure the patients are all cared for in a safe and timely manner.

Amy has been a nurse at Windham for a long time. She is well known and well-loved. She has a legacy of being an approached, well-rounded nurse. Recently, it was a very busy day in the department. Amy was the triage nurse and whenever she had a few minutes to spare between triages she was out on the floor helping. She started numerous IVs, medicated and discharged patients, and checked in with the nurses as frequently as she could to see if there was any other task she could assist with.