Four Milford Hospital nurses were selected to be recipients of the 2014 Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing. Loralie Held, Nancy Lang, Maricor Repato and Rose Vaccaro were honored for their professional achievements at an awards dinner and program held at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven on May 8.
Each of the honorees was nominated by their peers. Criteria for the award is demonstrated clinical excellence and having “gone above and beyond the call” in their daily professional duties.
“We are very proud to recognize the accomplishments of these nurses,” said Joseph Pelaccia, president/CEO of Milford Hospital. “Each of the awardees is extremely dedicated to the care of our patients and advancing the nursing profession. It is a well-deserved recognition for our outstanding Milford Hospital nurses.”
During her 11 year career at Milford Hospital, Loralie Held has demonstrated excellence in achieving and maintaining all aspects of quality patient care, hospital officials said.
“She goes above and beyond to bring knowledge, comfort and support to her patients and their families in the outpatient GI/Endoscopy Suite,” states a hospital press release. “As a certified GI / Endoscopy nurse, Loralie is committed to remaining current in her profession and regularly attends advanced training offerings on her own time. In addition, Loralie educates her colleagues and reviews hospital policy and procedure to ensure the highest standards of care are exercised in the GI service.”
Nancy Lang has a vast amount of clinical knowledge and experience, including critical care nursing and advanced infection control practices. She voluntarily chairs a unit-based performance improvement committee, working on protocols to enhance patient care.
In addition, Lang coaches and educates her fellow staff members.
Maricor Repato demonstrates the Nightingale attributes of leadership in clinical excellence daily in her work in the Milford Hospital operating room, hospital officials said.
Repato exhibits excellence by, “quietly but consistently supporting the hospital mission of providing high quality patient centered care,” states a hospital press release. “Maricor is active in precepting new staff members and is viewed as an expert nurse by her peers as well as a valuable resource to other hospital departments.”
Rose Vaccaro, a 13-year employee of Milford Hospital, is recognized by her colleagues for her dedication to the nursing profession. She works in the joint replacement center, while also administering care in a variety of other areas of the hospital including the medical-surgical unit and the family childbirth center. She is co-chair of the Nursing Practice Council and leads performance improvement projects to enhance patient safety.