Press Releases

Twelve 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 Tuesday, May 11, at the Italian Center of Stamford.

The recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of nursing professionals. Honorees are recognized for making a significant impact on patient care; going "beyond the call of duty;" demonstrating excellence in the field and a commitment to the community; or for outstanding life-long achievement.

"Many of our nurses receive the Nightingale Award every year, and this is truly a testament to the exceptional quality of patient care we provide," said Debra Hernandez, Stamford Hospital's Senior Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. "It is with great honor that we celebrate these women and recognize their commitment and dedication to excellence in the profession."

Stamford Hospital nurses who were honored this year include:

Ruth Erway, M2S (Orthopedics and Neurosurgery)

Tanya Riordon, Operating Room

Anne Gerstner, Labor and Delivery

Ann Giuli, Case Management

Mary Judge, Community Relations

Melissa DiNoto, Day Surgery

The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing program was originally developed by the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut (VNA/SCC) as a collaborative effort to celebrate outstanding nurses and elevate the nursing profession. The goals of the program are to encourage retention, inspire future nurses, focus public attention and encourage licensed nurses who currently work outside health care to return to practice.

Stamford Hospital is one of the local area program sponsors. Across the state, nearly all of the major hospitals and numerous health care organizations serve as program sponsors.

Stamford Hospital is a not-for-profit provider of comprehensive healthcare services in lower Fairfield County. The mission of Stamford Hospital is to provide, together with its physicians, a broad range of high quality health and wellness services focused on the needs of our communities. Stamford Hospital is a Magnet Hospital, and a member of the Planetree Alliance, a group of hospitals nationwide focused on patient-centered care. Stamford Hospital is affiliated with the New York Presbyterian Health System and is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

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