Nurses Week provided an opportunity to honor the dedicated men and women who play an integral role in patient care. This annual celebration, which ran from May 6 to May 12, offered unique opportunities to recognize the hard work and unwavering commitment of nurses throughout Trinity Health Of New England. The week included a line-up of activities focusing on recognitions, professional development, community engagement and self-care.
Nurses Week was an opportunity to honor the dedicated men and women of Trinity Health Of New England, who play an integral role in patient care.
All the hospitals in the region shared similar Nurses Week events while still conducting their own unique customs and traditions.
At Johnson Memorial Hospital, nurses kicked off the week with breakfast sandwiches and coffee, followed by “grab ‘n go” lunches, an ice cream social, and a pizza delivery over the following days. The week’s highlight was a gathering of colleagues to recognize the recipient of the 2025 Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing. Sarah Magistri, RN. For more information about Sarah and Trinity Health Of New England’s other worthy Nightingale Award recipients read the story on them on the Today site.
At Mercy Medical Center, nurses gathered for the presentation of the annual Nursing Excellence Awards during a special luncheon in the Deliso Conference Center. These awards are particularly meaningful because the recipients are nominated by their colleagues for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to their patients and to Mercy. Other Nurse’s Week activities included breakfast cart rounding, a “lunch and learn” program, pizza delivery, and blessings by the Most Rev. William Byrne, Bishop of Springfield.
Events were held throughout the week for Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, including breakfasts, education days, and a special mass in the Chapel. The Mission Department visited units throughout the week for Blessing of Hands ceremonies, there were visits from therapy dogs, and the Auxiliary Gift Shop held raffles. The week wrapped up with the annual Nursing Awards Ceremony on Friday, where several nurses were recognized.
At Saint Mary’s Hospital, nurses enjoyed educational opportunities, wellness treats, and a recognition ceremony. There were ice cream sundaes, a breakfast buffet, and a Professional Governance Road Show with a coffee and snack cart. The wellness front included a Nurses’ Mass and Blessing of the Hands, massages, and a visit from Furry Friend-Service Dog. Area institutions participated in a College Fair and Post University sponsored a “Finding Florence” activity.
The highlight of the week for each hospital was a special Nurse Recognition Ceremony to honor outstanding nurses who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion in their work. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, each honoree was recognized for their invaluable contributions to patient care.
Mercy Medical Center
Nursing Excellence Award
MaKaela Bedell, RN
Chelsea Bergeron, RN
Shelby Brouillette, RN
Jacob Butler, RN
Emma Davis, RN
Julie Demoracki, RN
Jamie Hyatt, RN
Melissa Ketron, RN
Pricilla Newport, RN
Emily Pisano, RN
Sara Saykin, RN
Marcey Wurszt, RN
Jeanette Peretti, RN
Veronica Parfumi, RN
Nancy McVeigh, RN
Tara Maciaszek, RN
Jenna Starke, RN
Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital
Kathryn M. Mullane Award
Anne-Marie Alcide, RN, 4-East, Mount Sinai
Trish Dawley, RN, MSICU, Saint Francis
Gabriella Capasso, BSN, RN, 10-9, Saint Francis
Lily Chen, RN, 9-9, Saint Francis
Suzan Flynn, RN, 3-1, Saint Francis
DAISY Specialty Awards
Nurse Leader: Robin Davidson, MSN, RN, Outpatient Heart Failure
Nurse Educator: Ashley Wiknik, MSN, RN, Nursing Education
Lifetime Achievement Award: Lynn O’Heron, BSN, RN, Emergency Department
Saint Francis Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association Scholarships
Bridget Baffour
MaryClaire Bello
Elizabeth Culbert
Sasha Johnson
Jordan Miller
Theresa Sarfo
John Urbanski
Giulia Zaccardelli
Saint Mary’s Hospital
Sunshine Award
Martha Cruz
Kyla Hamilton
Iliana Ortiz
DAISY Award
Jacob Brown, RN
Kimberly Cruz, RN
Valerie Lorusso, RN
Excellence in Nursing
Excellence in Nursing Advocacy – Stephanie Nelson, MSN, RN, Quality and Patient Safety
Excellence in Nursing Practice – Shannon Hernandez, RN Intermediate Care
Nursing Excellence- Rising Star – Michael Feliciano, RN, Intensive Care Unit
