Three dedicated and compassionate nurses have been selected as the 2019 Nightingale Nursing Recipients from Bristol Health. Darlene Bourgoin, RN, ADN, RNC-OB, EFM-C, of the Families are First Birthing Center; Ambulatory Surgery Staff Nurse Laurie Grady, RN, and Director of Surgical Services, Professional Development, and Magnet, Nancy LaMonica, MSN, MHA, RN, PCCN, NEA-BC, have been named the three 2019 Nightingale recipients from Bristol Health.
The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing program was developed in 2001 to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession. As a nursing organization with more than a century of service, the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut took the lead in creating the award ceremony.
The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing is open and inclusive to all health care settings—hospitals, home health care, health centers, schools, health departments, long-term care, nursing schools, medical practices—all are invited to participate. RNs and LPNs who demonstrate excellence may be considered for recognition if they are involved in clinical practice, leadership and/ or education.
In her nomination entry, Darlene Bourgoin was described as: “… the face of mentoring and support of new RNs to FAF and her peers as well. She works tirelessly to assure that FAF is up to date on nursing practice and finds the most appropriate avenue to do so. She is the primary preceptor for most of our new RN’s to Labor and Delivery and also as circulators in the OR. She has a gift and ability to bring them from novice on their journey to expert in a systematic, organized, supportive and fun manner.”
Laurie Grady’s nomination entry noted:
“Laurie takes such pride in our newer nurses. She enjoys orienting new nurses and sharing her expertise with them. She is our go-to phase II preceptor as she knows the role inside and out. When staff is struggling with caring for a patient in phase II they often say “go get Laurie.” In turn Laurie also provides unbelievable support to her coworkers.”
Nancy LaMonica’s nomination noted:
“In Nancy’s 30 years as a registered nurse, she has worked in numerous areas and in various influential positions. Her impact on patients and the nursing profession in general is profound. When at the bedside she was known for her clinical critical thinking and ability to connect with patients and families. She was the “go to” nurse for her peers who needed assistance with reading an EKG, understanding the story that a set of labs were telling, inserting a line, managing a vent, or figuring out how to best communicate with a physician.” — Bristol Health