Goodwin College faculty member Linda Gilbert was among the area nursing professionals selected for the 2016 Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing program, originally developed by the Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut as a collaborative effort to celebrate outstanding nurses and elevate the profession.

The goals of the program are to encourage retention, inspire future nurses, focus public attention, and recognize the breadth and scope of nursing practice at the local level. Employers may nominate registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, and nurse practitioners if they are involved in clinical practice, leadership, scholarship, or education. Nominees should have made a significant impact on patient care or the nursing profession; gone “beyond the call” in a clearly illustrated scenario; demonstrated excellence above what is normally expected; shown commitment to the community served in a way that is significantly above the norm; or achieved a life-long legacy in a particular arena.

“Linda Gilbert truly loves the profession of nursing,” said Janice Watts, Goodwin College Nursing department chair. “Her passion for both the art and science of nursing is transferred to our students. Her students truly admire her and emulate her in their own practice.”

Since 2003, the Greater Hartford Nightingale Awards Gala has honored nearly 1,200 nurses and has awarded $64,000 in nursing scholarships to local nursing students. This year’s celebratory dinner was held at the Connecticut Convention Center on May 5, 2016, to recognize 100 of Greater Hartford’s exceptional nurses.