VNA HealthCare to Host 10th Annual Nightingale Awards Honoring Excellence in Nursing on May 10th

May 9, 2012 - PRLog -- 111 exceptional nurses will be honored in the Hartford region for going above and beyond the call of duty at the 10th Annual Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing.   Hosted by VNA HealthCare, the event will be held on May 10th at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.

There are 111 registered nurses chosen as Nightingale honorees this year. The criteria for selection, as established by a panel of professionals require that an honoree has:

- Made a significant impact on patient care and/or the nursing profession
-  Gone “beyond the call” in a clearly illustrated scenario
-  Demonstrated excellence above what is normally expected
-  Shown commitment to the community or served in a way that is significantly above the norm
-  Achieved a life-long legacy in a particular arena.

The goals of the program are to focus public attention and recognize the breadth and scope of nursing practice at the local level, to encourage retention, and to address Connecticut’s nursing shortage by inspiring future nurse.

Reflecting on the Nightingale Awards, Ellen Rothberg, President/CEO of the VNA HealthCare states, “The Nightingale Awards is an amazing experience on so many levels.  First and foremost—it is humbling to be a part of the recognition of nurses who by definition have continually given so much of themselves not only as professionals, but as nurturing caregivers, too.”

As part of its focus on the future of the nursing profession, the event raises funds to be used for scholarships for nursing students. They accepted their scholarships from Ellen Rothberg, President and CEO of VNA HealthCare at a breakfast held April 20th. VNA HealthCare awarded $500 each to ten deserving students who were nominated by their schools. VNA HealthCare has awarded over $49,000 in scholarships since the Nightingale program began in 2003.

The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing program was originally developed by the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut to be 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 recognize the breadth and scope of nursing practice at the local level. In 2003, two years after inception, the program grew to include galas in Eastern Connecticut, Fairfield county and Hartford, as well as the original program in New Haven.

The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing are non-competitive and inclusive of all health care settings – hospitals, home health care, health centers, schools, health departments, long-term care facilities, nursing schools, agencies and medical practices. RNs and LPNs (full or part-time) who demonstrate excellence may be considered for recognition if they are involved in clinical practice, leadership, and/or education.

About VNA HealthCare

Founded in 1901, VNA HealthCare provides Home Health Care, Hospice Care and Private Duty Independent Living Services to more than 60 towns in Central Connecticut and Greater Waterbury. VNA HealthCare is a Hartford HealthCare partner and is a Caring Partner with Saint Mary’s Hospital. VNA HealthCare employs more than 800 staff and cares for more than 18,000 patients annually. To learn more about VNA HealthCare's many services and initiatives, log on to www.vnahealthcare.org or call 1800 HOMECARE