Griffin Hospital Celebrates Its Nursing Support Staff

Griffin Health recently hosted its annual Nursing Support Staff Appreciation Celebration to recognize its more than 300 caregivers who make vital contributions as coordinators between patients and nurses and doctors, including medical assistants, multi-skilled technicians, certified surgical technicians, mental health workers, blood collection specialists, patient safety monitors, continuous video monitors, unit clerks, greeters, coordinators and schedulers.

"Healthcare can be challenging. There are demanding days, unexpected obstacles, and moments when we all rely on the support of our colleagues," said Griffin Health Vice President Patient Care Services & CNO Kelly Egan MSN, RN, FAB, at the celebration. "Time and again, I have watched members of this Nursing Support Staff team step up for one another, lend a helping hand, provide encouragement, and demonstrate compassion for their fellow caregivers. That spirit of teamwork is one of our greatest strengths and one of the reasons Griffin continues to be such a special place to work and receive care."

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In addition to refreshments, gifts and raffle prizes at the celebration, Griffin's Nursing Department named Multi-Skilled Technician Moraima "Mo" Medina, of Naugatuck, as the 2026 Heart of Caring Award winner, and Multi-Skilled Technician Rachel Layseca, of Seymour, as the 2026 Caregiver Excellence Award winner.

The Caring Heart Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health nursing support staff member whom others believe to be truly committed, compassionate, kind and exemplifies the Planetree person-centered care philosophy.

A recently hired caregiver in the Griffin Hospital inpatient units, Medina was selected for the award for her consistent person-centered care and compassion for patients.

"It is not unusual for Mo to go to the gift shop to buy little gifts for her patients such as lip balm for dry lips or balloons for a birthday," the nomination for Medina stated. "Mo is known to go visit her patients when they are transferred to other units. Specifically, there was a patient transferred for hospice care. Mo made a point to go visit with the patient and the family."

The Caregiver Excellence Award is given to an exemplary Griffin Health employee whom others believe demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, the highest level of standards and excellent patient care, and consistently exhibits caring, commitment, and compassion towards patients and coworkers.

A four-year Griffin caregiver in the hospital's Emergency Department, Layseca was selected for the award for being a leader who sets a high standard for herself and inspires those around her.

"Rachel is the kind of teammate every nurse hopes to work with," the nomination for Layseca states. "When Rachel is assigned as your technician, you know you will have an outstanding partner who anticipates patient needs, communicates effectively, and works seamlessly with the entire healthcare team. She consistently demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a positive attitude, even in the fast-paced and unpredictable environment of the Emergency Department."