Fairfield Nurse Receives Statewide Honor

Editor's note: The following news release about a Fairfield resident and nurse at Stamford Hospital, and 11 other nurses at Stamford Hospital, receiving the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing was submitted by Stamford Hospital:

Twelve Stamford Hospital nurses have been awarded the "Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing," Connecticut’s largest state-wide nursing recognition program. The awards will be presented to the nurses at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Hilton Hotel in Stamford.

The recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of nursing professionals. Honorees are recognized for making a significant impact on patient care and/or the nursing profession, going "beyond the call" in a clearly illustrated scenario, demonstrating excellence above what is normally expected, showing commitment to the community by serving in a way that is significantly above the norm or achieving a life-long legacy in a particular arena.

“We are very proud to have several of our nurses being honored at the ceremony this year,” said Stamford Hospital Executive Vice President and COO Kathy Silard, who also is the hospital's interim chief nursing officer. “This recognition shows the dedication our nurses have for their profession and for their patients.”

Stamford Hospital nurses honored this year include:

* Janet McManus-Penzero, RN, ONC from Carmel, N.Y.

* Marva Crosby, RN from Fairfield.

* Joan Haddon, RN, AASN, BA from Norwalk.

* Lynda Royce, RN, BSN from Norwalk.

* Paulette Harris, RN, BSN, CNOR from Norwalk.

* Lynn Wezenski, RCN, BSN from Orange.

* Jayita Ray, RN, BSN from Stamford.

* Paz Andan, RN, BSN, CEPN from Stamford.

* Stanislawa Sbylut, RN, BSN from Stamford.

* Theresa Sunga, RN, BSN from Stamford.

* Lisa Keefner, RN, BA, ACM from Stratford.

* Carolyn Kasov, NP, APRN from White Plains, N.Y.

The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing program was originally developed by the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut as a collaborative effort to celebrate outstanding nurses and elevate the nursing profession. The goals of the program are to encourage retention; inspire future nurses; focus public attention; encourage licensed nurses who currently work outside health care to return to practice; and recognize the breadth and scope of nursing practice at the local level. In 2003, two years after inception, the program grew to include galas in Eastern Connecticut, Fairfield County and Hartford, as well as the original program in New Haven.

For information or to purchase tickets to Thursday's awards ceremony, visit www.nightingalenursingawards.org/fairfield

Submitted by Stamford Hospital