Hartford Region 2018 Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing

May 20, 2018

Members of the Root team attended the awards ceremony at the Connecticut Convention Center and supported their colleague, Susan Perry, LPN, who was nominated by her colleagues for going above and beyond to serve patients.

The Evolution of the Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing

The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing program was developed in 2001 out of a desire 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 (VNA South Central) took the lead in creating the award ceremony. The Nightingale vision was quickly embraced by the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, Yale-New Haven Hospital and The Hospital of Saint Raphael, whose financial support brought the idea to fruition.


In 2003, the program grew to include concurrent galas in the Hartford, Norwich-New London, and Stamford regions, as well as the original program in New Haven. The Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing is open and inclusive of all health care settings—hospitals, home health care, health centers, schools, health departments, long-term care, nursing schools, medical practices and more – all are warmly invited to participate. 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.



Nurses receiving the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing will be individually recognized at the Program and invited on stage to receive a Certificate of Recognition, a Nightingale insignia lapel pin and a commemorative gift.  A nurse can only be nominated once in their lifetime for this award.


Recent Posts

September 29, 2026
Driving Recovery Golf Classic 2026: A Day of Community, Connection, and Impact The Driving Recovery Golf Classic returned to Lyman Orchards this year with plenty of sunshine, friendly competition, and a community united around a common purpose. Ninety-two golfers gathered at Lyman Orchards Golf Club for Root Center for Advanced Recovery's second annual Driving Recovery Golf Classic. Together with our sponsors, volunteers, and community partners, we helped raise more than $23,000 to support Root Center's programs and services. Beyond the funds raised, the day was a celebration of connection, generosity, and the shared belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate behavioral healthcare and recovery support.
September 28, 2026
Introducing Our Art Therapy-Informed Open Studio Series This October, Root Center for Advanced Recovery is launching a new Art Therapy-Informed Open Studio Series, designed to provide welcoming opportunities for creativity, self-expression, and connection. Open Studio offers a supportive space where individuals can work with a variety of art materials at their own pace, with no prior artistic experience required. The focus is on the creative process rather than creating a perfect piece of artwork. Whether you're interested in exploring creativity, practicing mindfulness, expressing yourself, or simply trying something new, Open Studio provides a low-pressure environment where you can engage at your own comfort level. All materials are provided, and drop-ins are welcome.
September 16, 2026
Root Center Welcomes Samantha Howard as Director of Operations! Root Center is excited to welcome Samantha Howard, M.A., LPC, as our new Director of Operations! Samantha joins our leadership team with more than a decade of behavioral healthcare experience spanning clinical leadership, operations, program development, quality improvement, and staff supervision. Throughout her career, she has remained dedicated to supporting high-quality care, strengthening teams, and improving services for both patients and providers. Samantha previously worked at Root, and prior to returning, she gained valuable experience at Yale University's PRIME Clinic, where she further developed her expertise in behavioral healthcare operations and program leadership. Samantha's journey has come full circle as she returns to Root Center with expanded experience, fresh perspectives, and a continued commitment to supporting individuals, families, and communities. In her new role as Director of Operations, Samantha will help support the continued growth and success of Root Center's programs and services while advancing our commitment to providing high-quality care across Connecticut. We are thrilled to welcome Samantha back to Root Center and look forward to the leadership, collaboration, and expertise she will bring to our team. Please join us in welcoming Samantha to this exciting new chapter!
Show More