Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Nurses Lauded at Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing Gala

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare proudly announces that four of its nurses, Joan Buckley, Melissa DeSandre, Jennifer Mordino, 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. The four Gaylord clinicians were among 78 exceptional nurses from Greater New Haven health care organizations who received the honor.

Admissions nurse Joan Buckley, RN, of North Haven is described as a strong patient advocate who handles each case meticulously and compassionately. Affectionately nicknamed “Joan of Arc”, she is well-known for ensuring that the admissions process for patients with devastating illnesses and injuries is seamless and safe for all involved.

Joan uses her vast knowledge and her strong belief in what Gaylord can do for patients to ensure that they receive the care they require. She recently went to bat for a Guillain-Barre patient whose insurance denied the request for acute rehab despite the documented need from his doctor, therapist and hospital case manager. Joan left no stone unturned in her successful quest to persuade the insurance company to approve his case. She is said to be “the perfect example of a Nightingale who never compromises her beliefs and works for the best possible outcome for our patients.”

Glastonbury resident 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.

Waterbury resident Jennifer Mordino, RN, is highly regarded by her Gaylord colleagues for her commitment to providing skilled, compassionate, individualized care to her patients. In return, she has been was twice nominated by patients and families for the Gaylord ICARE (Integrity, Compassion, Accountable, Respect and Excellence) Award – one of the hospital’s highest honors.

One co-worker described this clinical IV nurse as “truly a joy to work with” who “maintains an upbeat attitude and treats patients and staff alike with respect and dignity.”

Nicole Morrill, RN, of Glastonbury 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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