Eleven nurses from Trinity Health Of New England hospitals in Connecticut were honored as recipients of the 2024 Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing at the annual awards dinner held on May 7 at the Connecticut Convention Center. The Nightingale Award was created in 2001 to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession by honoring nurses who demonstrate excellence in clinical practice, leadership, and/or education.
Johnson Memorial Hospital
Amanda Barrepski, BSN, RN, is a Nursing Professional Development Specialist. As a nurse educator, Amanda consistently demonstrates clinical expertise, excellent communication skills, the ability to multitask, a continuous assessment of the hospital’s educational needs, and a deep connection to members of the team. With quality care and patient safety as her priorities, Amanda draws on her calm demeanor and expert clinical skills to foster teambuilding, trust, and confidence among colleagues. Amanda is also known for her leadership – from proactively picking up extra shifts, to continuing her clinical education, to embracing all clinical roles for TogetherCare so that she will be able to support Johnson teams when the new electronic medical record rolls out. Amanda has not only been instrumental in the creation and supply efforts for the ED donation closet which provides clothing and footwear to patients in need, but she also participates in the annual holiday toy drive for local families and volunteers to serve meals at the Enfield Loaves and Fishes with Johnson colleagues.
Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
LaToya March, BSN, RN, is the Senior Clinical Advisor for Inpatient Rehabilitation at Mount Sinai. She is a true example of an extraordinary nurse who is a caregiver to her core. When it comes to patient care, LaToya always finds time to sit down with patients and truly listens with a kindhearted, caring, and generous nature. She approaches each patient like she would a friend, looking them in the eye so they know she is present, providing them with comfort and reassurance, both in her words and actions of actively listening to their concerns and fears. LaToya consistently goes above and beyond, working closely with providers and patients to ensure they have the supplies and equipment needed upon discharge, even picking up prescriptions for those who may not otherwise have the means to do so. Her kindness and generosity extends to her colleagues. She is always the first to celebrate successes, provide support during challenges, and be a listening ear. LaToya is a true caregiver who exemplifies the Core Values of our organization in every aspect.
Saint Mary’s Hospital
Dawn Ertl, BSN, RN-ONC, is a nurse in Medical Oncology. Dawn is recognized as a compassionate and devoted nurse, as well as a supportive resource for staff. Always interested in new education or learnings, Dawn is first to research and incorporate best practices. In addition, she is generous with her knowledge and time, stepping up to precept new nurses and serving as a mentor to all. Patient care is first and foremost for Dawn, naturally attuned to her patients, she is a tireless advocate for them when necessary. Dawn goes above and beyond for her patients regularly and enjoys celebrating them annually on the Relay for Life walks and Survivors Day.
Samantha Whiteside, BSN, RN, works in Saint Mary’s Emergency Department. Sam serves as a calming, nurturing and supportive presence. Patients and colleagues alike are beneficiaries of Sam’s unwavering commitment. Her empathy and compassion create genuine patient interactions, on many occasions resulting in meaningful impacts on patients’ lives. One example of her advocacy resulted in a homeless patient attaining housing. She provides patient care with a sincere approach that fosters trust and empowerment for a marginalized community. Sam is recognized as a valuable resource for new and orienting nurses and is an excellent role model. She is knowledgeable and dependable, always available to support the clinical staff. Sam instills a culture of continuous learning, making herself available outside of work hours to assist nurses who require assistance. Sam is conscientious of ensuring that the ED nurses feel valued and supported.
Saint Francis Hospital
Ava-Loi Campbell, BSN, RN, is the overnight charge nurse on the Congestive Heart Failure Unit. Her calming demeanor and steady guidance has significantly impacted the night staff of the unit, including onboarding new colleagues. Ava-Loi, who also serves as a preceptor, is incredibly dedicated to patient safety, her peers, and the welfare of her unit. She has helped mentor and onboard preceptees and continuously shows commitment and resolve during challenges. Her connection with patients and peers is that of deep reverence and it is reflected in her daily work. Ava-Loi is an example of a servant leader, managing with a style that prioritizes the well-being and growth of others. In her years as a cardiac nurse, Ava-Loi has gently precepted, mentored, and modeled what human caring looks like. While she may be soft spoken, Ava-Loi leaves a positive impression on patients and colleagues, is humble, and is not only ready to teach, but to also learn more. Her gentle leadership will continue to flow through generations of nurses to come.
Christina Hare, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse for the Outpatient Heart Failure Program. Within the first few minutes of interacting with her, it becomes evident that there is something special about Christina as a person and as a nurse. At one time, Christina was the only nurse in the clinic providing support to physicians and APPs, but as the clinic grew, so did the scope of her patient care, ultimately setting the baseline as to what nursing visits would look like in the clinic. Christina onboarded each nurse that joined the team, providing them with the knowledge and understanding they needed to treat the patient population they serve. She takes time to participate in education to enhance her patient care and professional development. Christina forms lasting relationships, spending time learning about her patients both clinically and socially. She is respectful and mindful of each patient’s cultural and spiritual needs and tailors their plans of care to ensure each individual receives the care they deserve and need. Christina is adored by her patients and teammates, and her commitment to the nursing profession, her patients, and the ministry is admirable.
Laura Kennedy, RN, is a charge nurse in the Emergency Department. Laura makes a significant impact by being an advocate for both patients and staff, ensuring that acutely ill patients are safe while also being supportive to many new clinicians on the night shift. She demonstrates excellence with her bedside manner, clinical knowledge of her patients, and her clinical operational skills. Patients under Laura’s care are always up to date with their care plan and are made as comfortable as possible. She makes every effort to promote a healing and restful environment, demonstrating best care practices to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care. Laura strives to create a family environment and team dynamic that includes not only the nursing staff, but also technicians, environmental services, and ancillary staff. Her commitment to the department is second to none. Laura’s lasting impacts will be her mentorship of colleagues and supporting clinicians of all levels. She exemplifies what it is to be a caring, competent, and compassionate nurse.
Patti LaMonica, MSN, RN, recently retired after concluding her career as the Director of Emergency Services. Patti, a graduate of the Saint Francis School of Nursing, served as a staff RN and nursing director in various acute care hospitals in Connecticut before returning to Saint Francis in 2006. She has covered numerous service lines including surgery, critical care, and behavioral health, and has served as Interim Chief Nursing Officer on multiple occasions. Patti’s lasting impact has been felt by many clinicians and patients throughout the state. She has a dedication to serve patients most at risk, especially behavioral health patients and victims of sexual assault. Patti developed and taught a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Course and was part of a team that worked with the Connecticut Legislature to successfully establish the state-wide Sexual Assault Response Team which provides expert and standardized care to survivors of sexual assault. At the forefront of her practice, Patti has always placed the patient first. Patti’s commitment to patient advocacy and lifelong mentoring has been and will continue to be felt for future generations of clinicians.
Richard Rodrigues, RN, is a member of the MSICU team. Throughout his career, Richard has grown from a competent critical care nurse to a true leader and clinical expert. Richard’s foundational knowledge and practices are apparent in the detailed and holistic care he provides. He stays true to patient-centered care and imparts this value to the new ICU nurses he precepts and mentors. He is highly respected by the entire ICU team including the providers and interdisciplinary staff. When Richard is in charge, the ICU ship is stable. Colleagues know they can count on him and that his decisions will ensure they and their patients stay safe. Richard is caring and compassionate to all those around him, never losing his patience or professionalism regardless of highly stressful events or challenges.
Mary-Ellen Slade, BSN, RN, serves on the ABC/CAPS Behavioral Health unit. Mary Ellen’s unwavering dedication to patient care is commendable. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each patient in her care receives the utmost attention and support. With her keen attention to detail, genuine empathy, and understanding, Mary-Ellen creates an environment where patients feel safe, heard, and valued. As a mentor, Mary-Ellen leads by example, actively nurturing relationships and recognizing the importance of camaraderie and teamwork in a healthcare setting. Her impact on patient care and the mentoring of fellow nurses is immeasurable and she truly embodies the essence of an outstanding pediatric psychiatric nurse. Throughout her 21-year tenure on the ABC/CAPS unit, Mary-Ellen has established an enduring legacy in her service to pediatric psychiatry. Her profound impact on the lives of countless children and her unwavering advocacy for this vulnerable population have solidified her status as a true champion.
Jennifer Travers, MSN, RN, is a Nursing Professional Development Specialist for the Nursing Education and Practice Innovation Center. Overseeing the Neuroscience and Virtual Nursing Units, Jen has been a key stakeholder in the educational component for the TogetherTeam virtual nursing model of care. Her calm demeanor and expert clinical skills create teambuilding, trust, and confidence among colleagues. Jen exhibits an optimistic attitude and holds herself to a high professional level of nursing. She is a wonderful example of integrity and is a valued resource when colleagues require educational support. Jen’s ability to understand and share the correlation between professional practice and patient outcomes when utilizing the virtual nursing model helps to foster a culture of positivity. She exhibits caring and compassion to staff as she mentors them to achieve goals. With over 30 years of nursing experience, Jen’s dedication and service to Saint Francis is well known to those who work with her.