Two Glastonbury Residents, Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Nurses Lauded at the Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare proudly announces that two of its nurses, Glastonbury residents Melissa DeSandre and Nicole Morrill, have been honored with the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing at a recent gala celebration at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven.

The Nightingale Award is one of Connecticut’s most prestigious nursing honors and was created to celebrate outstanding nursing professionals and elevate the profession in the state of Connecticut. DeSandre and Morrill were among 78 exceptional nurses from Greater New Haven health care organizations who received the honor.

Melissa DeSandre, RN displays excellence in nursing through her never-ceasing determination to make each patient’s stay at Gaylord “as special as they are”. As a nurse who works with traumatic brain injury patients, Melissa keenly understands the ever-changing moods and behaviors of this patient population and always accommodates them with extra time and care.

“She has the ability to make a connection with her patients,” said one of her colleagues. “She is a team player who is always ready to deliver compassionate care or to collaborate with staff.” Melissa was also commended for being a knowledgeable outlet and ready support system for patients’ families.

Nicole Morrill, RN, is an exceptional, well-respected nurse who consistently goes above and beyond for her patients and co-workers. She has recently taken on the role of supervisor and thrives as a mentor to new grads and as a resource for all nurses.

“She has a way of working with families and patients that gains their trust,” wrote one peer. “Displaying caring and compassion in all that she does, Nicole’s patients appreciate her ability to provide comfort in some of the most difficult circumstances.”

About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare:
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a 137-bed non-profit specialty hospital, also known as a long-term acute care hospital, specializing in medical management and rehabilitation for patients who have experienced an acute illness or a traumatic accident. Gaylord treats individuals who need care and rehabilitation for illness or injury related to the brain and nervous system, spine, bones and joints, and lungs and other conditions through both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. The hospital is located at 50 Gaylord Farm Road in Wallingford, Conn.

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