Christina Cannone-Epstein, RN, Emergency Department, has been named Greenwich Hospital’s “Nurse of the Year” with the Helen Meehan Award for Excellence in Nursing presented at the annual Ceremony for Excellence.
The award is given each year to a nurse who demonstrates excellence in nursing practice, teaching and leadership.
“Christina is truly an all-star nurse. She is inspiring to her peers and students. She is a team player who always keeps the best interest of her patients at heart. The number of lives she has touched in her 19 years as a nurse is immeasurable,” Diane Kelly, DNP, RN, Greenwich Hospital president, told the audience at the May 8 event.
“This is a special honor,” said Cannone-Epstein of Fairfield, who enjoys the Emergency Department’s fast-paced environment.
Known for her calm demeanor, Cannone-Epstein often serves as the ED’s charge nurse and a preceptor to new nurses.
“I love caring for people,” she said. “It’s been an amazing career and hopefully there is more to come.”
Also at the Ceremony of Excellence, James Pallett, MD, received the Physician Partner-in-Care Award for his outstanding leadership, teaching and diagnostic skills. A hospitalist with Northeast Medical Group, Dr. Pallett has played a crucial role in many hospital initiatives, including expanding Greenwich Hospital’s hospitalist program to provide 24-hour coverage.
Jean Marie Dorismond, a supervisor with Environmental Services, received the Partner-in-Care Award for always going above and beyond to provide a healing environment for patients. He is an integral member of the care team who is best known for his kindness and can-do attitude.
Anna Cerra, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer, commended all the hospital’s nurses for their dedication to ensure patients receive exceptional care. Cerra encouraged the audience to carry out a random act of kindness. “Kindness is a behavior that fosters a culture of compassion, respect and teamwork,” she said. “We live and breathe this each and every day at Greenwich Hospital.”