Celebrating Bridgeport Hospital’s Prism Award were (l-r): Ena Williams, RN, DNP, chief nurse executive, Yale New Haven Health; and, from Bridgeport Hospital: Winter Crockett, RN, nurse manager; Danielle Jimenez, RN, Magnet program coordinator; Joubin Bavarian, RN, vice president of Operations & Nursing; Sue Bojka, RN, director of Perioperative Services; Mary Christoffersen, RN, DNP, chief nursing officer; Ken Forte, RN, director of Nursing; Jaclyn Godfrey, RN, assistant nurse manager; Anne Aquila, RN, DNP, director of Wounds & Critical Care; and Andy Quito, RN, director of Patient Care Operations.
Bridgeport Hospital recently received the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Prism Award, one of the highest national recognitions for nursing leadership-driven organizational excellence.
Only one organization each year wins the award, which recognizes organizations that support strategic objectives related to disparities in healthcare outcomes, healthy work environments and nurse well-being and safety across all roles and settings within a healthcare organization.
“This is an extraordinary distinction and a powerful validation of the excellence of our nursing team,” said Anne Diamond, DBA, JD, Bridgeport Hospital president. “Their dedication to advancing health equity, supporting one another and improving outcomes for our patients and communities defines who we are as an organization and sets a national standard for nursing excellence.”
Bridgeport Hospital was recognized for its nurse-led commitment to advancing health equity, workforce well-being and community impact, highlighted by more than $145 million invested from 2022 to 2024 to improve access to care and build healthier communities. Efforts included initiatives to strengthen maternal and infant health, expand preventive screenings, remove psychosocial barriers to care and support nurses across all roles.
AONL highlighted Bridgeport Hospital nurses who led research to address implicit bias, partnered with families through preventive and home visiting programs and volunteered throughout the community, reinforcing their roles as advocates, innovators and leaders in care both inside and outside the hospital.
“This recognition reflects the compassion, innovation and leadership our nurses demonstrate every day, both at the bedside and beyond our hospital walls,” said Mary Christoffersen, RN, DNP, chief nursing officer. “It underscores our unwavering commitment to delivering inclusive, equitable care for all.”
“Our nurses should be incredibly proud of this moment,” added Joubin Bavarian, RN, Bridgeport Hospital vice president of Operations and Nursing. “Their dedication, creativity and willingness to lead beyond traditional roles are what set our organization apart on a national stage. This award celebrates the heart of nursing at Bridgeport Hospital, shown in the teamwork, innovation and deep commitment to our patients and community that our nurses bring to their work every single day.”
