Gaylord Hospital Nurses Honored with Prestigious Nursing Award

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a nonprofit rehabilitation-focused healthcare organization headquartered in Wallingford, is pleased to announce that two Gaylord Hospital nurses, Jennifer Bourgoin, BSN, RN, and Jaime Maddalena, BSN, RN, received the 2025 Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing.

One of Connecticut’s most prestigious nursing honors, the Nightingale Award annually recognizes nurses who go above and beyond the call of duty in various clinical and educational environments.

For nearly eight years, Jennifer Bourgoin has cared for patients recovering from life-altering illnesses and injuries at Gaylord Hospital. Her peers say she’s known for the small, personal touches that make a big difference in her patients' lives.

“Whether helping a patient regain their confidence or simply making them smile, Jen ensures they feel truly cared for,” wrote one colleague.

“Beyond providing great medical care, Jen forms strong bonds with patients and families. She takes time to explain things in a way they can understand, ensuring they feel informed and empowered. She is also a fierce advocate, always putting her patients’ needs first.”

Her peers say that Bourgoin, a “kind and upbeat” nurse who ensures that her colleagues feel confident and valued, and that her infectious smile and warm demeanor make every shift brighter.

For nearly eight years, Jaime Maddalena has cared for patients recovering from life-altering illnesses and injuries at Gaylord Hospital. Her peers say that she is known for her deep commitment to both patients and colleagues, treating everyone with the same compassion and attentiveness as she would her own family.

Maddalena’s expertise and calm presence have made her an invaluable mentor to new nurses. One graduate nurse recalled, “I had the privilege of working alongside Jaime, and her support during my first encounters with difficult patient situations was invaluable. On one occasion, when I was faced with a patient complaining of chest pain, I found myself overwhelmed with anxiety. Jaime calmly walked me through every step of the process, educating me and helping me feel confident in my abilities. Her guidance at that moment not only improved patient care but also helped me grow as a nurse.”

Her coworkers note that Maddalena consistently goes above and beyond, offering emotional support, education, and hands-on help whenever needed. Her selflessness, attention to detail, and proactive care make a lasting impact on staff and on the families who often express their gratitude for her care

About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare:

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a rehabilitation-focused, nonprofit health system headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut, that provides inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to maximum recovery.

Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is anchored by Gaylord Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital, and includes Gaylord Outpatient Services and Gaylord Physical Therapy for patients who require diagnosis and treatment on an outpatient basis. Gaylord's Milne Institute for Healthcare Innovation is a hub for accelerating world-class rehabilitative research, technology development and innovation to

improve the quality of life and function of people around the world. Together, these entities deliver a complete continuum of rehabilitative care driven by clinical experience, innovation and human compassion.