New Haven (May 23, 2013) – John R. Quinn, President & CEO of the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut (VNA/SCC), announced that 89 Greater New Haven area nurses were recognized at the 2013 Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing gala.
The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing was originally developed by the VNA/SCC to be a collaborative effort to celebrate outstanding nurses and elevate the nursing profession. The goals of the program are to encourage retention, focus public attention, recognize the breadth and scope of nursing practice at the local level, and inspire future nurses.
Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners were nominated for recognition by their employers for their involvement in clinical practice, leadership, scholarship and/or education. Nurses selected to receive the Nightingale Award have made a significant impact on patient care and/or the nursing profession; gone "beyond the call" in a clearly illustrated scenario; demonstrated excellence above what is normally expected; shown commitment to the community served in a way that is significantly above the norm; or achieved a life-long legacy in a particular arena.
VNA/SCC and community leaders helped to recognize this year’s honorees and shine a spotlight on the profession of nursing at the 13th annual gala, which was held on May 13 at Anthony’s Ocean View. Leadership included Honorary Co-Chairs Kiki and Ted Kennedy, Jr., U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo, Keynote Speaker Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, CSP, CPAE, and Co-Hosts Gil Simmons, WTNH-8 Meteorologist and Renee DiNino of Clear Channel Radio. The event was supported by generous corporate sponsors, including Yale-New Haven Hospital, First Niagara, Gaylord Hospital, and Masonicare.
Over 550 attendees were present to recognize the 89 Nightingale Award recipients, who represented 30 local healthcare institutions. Each recipient was called individually to receive their award, while a brief bio detailing their achievements in nursing was read. Said VNA/SCC President & CEO John R. Quinn, “We at the VNA/SCC were very proud to host this prestigious event for the 13th year and were honored by those community leaders and sponsors who joined us in showing their support of the nursing profession. The recipients of the award carry out the great legacy set forth by Florence Nightingale, and we were happy to give them the recognition they so deserve.”
For more information about the Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing, visit the Nightingale website at www.nightingalenursingawards.org/newhaven/ or call the Nightingale hotline at 203-859-6765.
To make a contribution to the VNA/SCC in support of this important event, please contact Lindsey Christiani, Community Development Specialist, at 203-859-6054. You can also donate online at www.razoo.com/story/Vna-Of-South-Central-Ct.
About VNA Health Systems:
VNA Health Systems is comprised of the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut (VNA/SCC) and CareSource, Inc. Founded in 1904, the VNA/SCC, which is the original VNA of New Haven, Milford and the Valley, is a state licensed, non-profit, community-based home health care agency. The VNA/SCC staff consists of highly skilled nurses, therapists, medical social workers and home health aides. A vital resource to the communities it serves, the VNA/SCC provides a wide range of specialized clinical services, community programs, the Nurturing Families Network and subsidized care, through United Way funding, to those who are in need. The agency employs over 230 staff members, has an average daily census of over 1,000 patients and makes over 170,000 home visits per year. The agency is the founder of the Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing. The VNA/SCC is supported in part by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, local United Way organizations, corporate sponsors and individual donors. To learn more about the VNA/SCC visit www.vnascc.org. CareSource strives to maximize the quality of life for its clients and their caregivers in the home and health care settings. Their services include homemakers, companions and live-in aides. To learn more about CareSource visit www.caresourceinc.org.
