As UConn Health continues to pile up third-party accolades for patient safety and quality, it is celebrating its more than 1,000 registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists.
It’s a National Nurses Week tradition, with the week leading up to the birthday of Florence Nightingale, May 12, including events to recognize their contributions.
As is also tradition, UConn Health has chosen six to receive one of this year’s Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing, which recognizes their impact on patient care and the nursing profession and their demonstration of excellence above what is normally expected, as well as their commitment to the community served and their legacy in a particular nursing field.
“Selection of our Nightingale candidates is a tremendous challenge every year due to the high quality of candidates who are nominated, and I am very proud to announce that we had 61 RNs, APRNs and CRNAs nominated this year,” says Caryl Ryan, chief nursing officer and the UConn John Dempsey Hospital chief operating officer and vice president for quality and patient care services. “Each nominee reflects clinical excellence, has gone ‘beyond the call’ and continues to make a significant impact to patient care. I am so proud of the candidates selected and their commitment to the profession of nursing. The selected candidates’ dedication and commitment to quality care and patient safety is inspirational.”
Nightingale, who lived from 1820 to 1910, is largely credited as the founder of modern nursing.
UConn Health’s 2025 Nightingale Nurses
Ashley Bordonaro, BSN, RN
Clinical Case Manager, Population Health
From her nomination:
“Throughout her career, Ashley has made a lasting impact in her field through her unwavering passion for delivering quality patient care. She is widely recognized as a strong patient advocate who consistently takes a patient-centered approach, always seeking opportunities to improve patient outcomes…. Above all, she always prioritizes the needs of the patient, ensuring that their care is not only effective but also compassionate. Her dedication to improving patient care has had a lasting influence on her colleagues and the healthcare system, setting a high standard for excellence in patient care.”
Holly Durstin, MS, CRNA
Nurse Anesthetist, Operating Room Unit
From her nomination:
“Through her advocacy, she has been a mentor, and guide and encouraged many to go into the nursing field. For nurses already in the field, she has encouraged them to go farther. As a colleague she serves as a role model for professionalism, for patient care and for going above and beyond to take care of her patients. For patients, she represents a practitioner who understands what it is like to be a patient, to be in their position, and she makes clear that she will advocate and take care of them as they are under her care. Everyone she has taken care of is made to feel comfortable, safe and protected.”
Dayna Gambino, MSN, RN, CMSRN
Staff Nurse, CN3, Surgery/Orthopedics UT5
From her nomination:
“‘Dayna is a 30 out of 10.’ This is just one of many patient responses recognizing her exceptional care. She is the first to respond in emergencies and always ready to support her teammates. As charge nurse for 493 hours this year, she balances leadership with mentoring, spending over 125 hours precepting new graduate nurses. In 2024, she earned three Good Catch awards for preventing potential safety events—though she sees it simply as ‘what a nurse does.’… She cultivates a culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous learning, strengthening both her team and the workplace environment.”
Kate Medow, APRN, MSN, RN
Lead Nurse Practitioner, Neuro-Oncology, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center
From her nomination:
“She is a fierce advocate and clinical expert in her field, utilizing her compassionate approach and clinical expertise to grow the Neuro-Oncology program at UConn Health. Kate has made a lasting impact by advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and improving care for patients and families…. She also prioritized the well-being of the patient’s family, addressing their needs with compassion and skill. Over the years, I’ve witnessed her exceptional expertise in neurological care and her perceptive insight into psychosocial issues. Kate embodies Florence Nightingale’s attributes including compassion, dedication, leadership, self-sacrifice and whole person care.
Rachel Meehan, APRN, MSN, RN ACNS-BC
Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Age-Friendly Care, Professional Practice and Clinical Excellence
From her nomination:
“Through her specialized programs, she has developed and implemented a culture that is tailored to and meaningfully engages older adults. These programs focus on early mobility, and emotional support, ensuring that older adults receive holistic and comprehensive care…. She has empowered and equipped nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care to and advocate for older adults. Florence Nightingale and Rachel Meehan share a commitment to improving patient care and advancing the nursing profession. Nightingale’s pioneering work, as Rachel’s has done, laid the groundwork for the multifaceted role of modern-day nursing.”
Erin Pietrowicz, MSN, RN, PCCN-CMC
Staff Nurse, CN4, Intermediate Critical Care UT2
From her nomination:
“Erin is the colleague everyone wants by their side, encouraging others to succeed…. Erin has built a lasting legacy at UConn Health through her unwavering commitment to nursing, compassion, and leadership. Through her role as a mentor and preceptor, Erin has shaped the careers of many nurses, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in their roles…. She fosters teamwork, strengthens culture and empowers her colleagues to succeed both personally and professionally. Erin always goes above and beyond, and her selflessness is unparalleled -she has set the foundation for others to thrive.”
