Milford Resident Awarded Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing

Thirteen 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 on Thursday, May 9, at 5:00 p.m. at the Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa, 243 Tresser Blvd., Stamford.

The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing Program was developed by the Visiting Nurse Association of Southwestern Connecticut as a collaborative effort to celebrate outstanding nurses and elevate the nursing profession. Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners may be nominated by their employers if they are involved in clinical practice, leadership, scholarship and/or education.

Nominees must have made a significant impact on patient care and/or the nursing profession, gone "beyond the call of duty" 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.

“Our nurses are experts in their field who make a lasting and significant contribution to the nursing profession every day,” said Ellen Komar, Stamford Hospital’s Vice President, Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “We are proud to have their commitment to excellence recognized and to have so many of our professionals honored year over year with the Nightingale award.”

            Stamford Hospital nurses by town (and specialty) who were honored this year include:

Bridgeport        Chinenye Kalu, APRN                                     Hospitalist

Derby              Grace Yap Cal, RN-BC                                                General Surgery

Milford                        Michelle Watson, APRN                                  ICU/Cath Lab

Norwalk           Renate Anderson, RN                                      Float Pool

                        Cecil Chan, RN                                                            Operating Room

Ryebrook, NY Laura Azzara, RN, BSN, CAPA, CPAN                       Tully – Peri-Op

Stamford          Magda Bayonetta, RN, BSN, CEN                   Emergency Department

                        Audrey Brown, RN, BSN, AOCN                    Bennett Cancer Center

                        Belen Camacho, RN, BSN                               Cath Lab

                        Sally Johnston, RN, BSN, CNOR, CPHRM     Risk Management

                        Kenyetta Lasiter, RN, BSN                              SHIP-FC Surgcal Center

                        Miriam Solis, RCN, BSN                                 Pediatrics

Wilton              Jill Ely, APRN, FPN, CDE                               Diabetes Center

The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing Program aims to encourage retention, inspire future nurses, focus public attention and encourage licensed nurses who currently work outside health care to return to practice.   For more information, visit www.nightingalenursingawards.org/fairfield.