Griffin Hospital in Derby recognizes nurses in 35th annual celebration

Griffin Hospital Outstanding Nurse of the Year Susan Rupar, right, of Oxford, poses with Griffin Vice President of Patient Care Kimberlee Richard./ Contributed photo

DERBY - Griffin Hospital recently held its 35th annual Nurses' Week Celebration to honor its more than 480 staff nurses. 

Nursing Department staff members were treated to refreshments, gifts, raffles, and award presentations to nurses who provided exceptional care during the year.

“Nurses are recognized as the 'most trusted profession,' and I have witnessed our Griffin nurses respond to challenging times and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic with expertise and compassion," said Griffin Vice President of Patient Care Kimberlee Richard. “You continually demonstrate your commitment to our patients and their families. I am so incredibly grateful for all that you do. You are and will always be leaders in patient care.”

Susan Rupar, RN, of Oxford, a nurse in the Griffin Hospital Emergency Department, received the 2023 Outstanding Nurse of the Year Award.

A caregiver at Griffin since 2016, Rupar has long been recognized as an outstanding nurse by patients, new caregivers, and Griffin leadership, and as a vital member of the Griffin ED team.

“During a leadership transition period in the ED, Sue has been acting as interim educator, mentor and supporter, as well as transition coach for new hires,” the nomination for Rupar stated. “Sue has gone above and beyond to support the team during this time. Sue treats every person like they are all that matters in the moment. She has helped create new ways for staff recognition to remind the team that we are all here to support each other, make everyone’s day better, and to smile.”

Griffin nurse Christina Defeo, BSN, RN, of North Haven, received the Mary Schumacher Nursing Leadership Award.

Griffin nurse Amy O'Leary, RN, of Shelton, received the Mary Nelligan Continuing Education Award.

Griffin nurse Susan Jack, BSN, RN, PMH-C, of Beacon Falls, received the Shirley Yale Nursing Scholarship Award at Griffin’s 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.

Griffin Hospital Nurse Kelly Puglia, MSN, RN-BC, of Ansonia, received the Shirley Yale Nursing Scholarship Award at Griffin’s 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.

Griffin nurse Elizabeth Walker, RN, of Stratford, received the Shirley Yale Nursing Scholarship Award at Griffin’s 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.

Griffin nurse Flora Raja, RN, of Beacon Falls, received the Marie Santini Perioperative Nursing Excellence Award at Griffin’s 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.

George Mooney, MST, of Ansonia poses with Linda Torok after receiving the Donald Torok Memorial Scholarship Award at Griffin's 35th Annual Nurses Week Celebration.

Congratulations to all!

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.