Ridgefield Nurse Celebrated in General Assembly for National “Outstanding Clinician of the Year” by Visiting Nurse Association of America

Erin O’Rourke, Outstanding Clinician of the Year Visiting Nurse Association of America, family and friends, Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association along with Representatives Frey and Giegler and Senator Toni Boucher in the Senate Chamber in Hartford.

Hartford, CT – State Senator Toni Boucher (R-Wilton) joined the O’Rourke family and friends along with the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association and area legislators Representative John Frey and Jan Giegler in celebrating Erin O’Rourke, BSN, RN, as the “Outstanding Clinician of the Year” by the Visiting Nurse Association of America (VNAA). O’Rourke was honored in the Senate Chamber at the Capitol in Hartford today.

Rep. Frey, former member of the RVNA Board of Directors, said that this award is only given to nurses who go well beyond their duties for the benefit of their patients. “Erin said she didn’t become a nurse for the limelight, but her award is extremely well deserved. It’s one of the most prestigious visiting nurse awards in the country. The town of Ridgefield is proud of her, and I know that her selfless work ethic will continue to help and inspire others,” Rep. Frey said.

“The work nurses do can sometimes be difficult and thankless, yet she always goes out of her way to make sure her patients have the absolute best care available.” Rep. Giegler said, “Erin is very deserving of this recognition and I’m proud we were able to recognize her many accomplishments publicly.”

“Erin O’Rourke is an angel to the patients she takes care of. She is a professional and gives of herself in every way so that her patient’s quality of life is the best it can be,” said Sen. Boucher. “It was a great privilege to have members of the general assembly honor her. It was also wonderful to have her young family in attendance to observe the gratitude that the members bestowed on her.”

O’Rourke has been a home care nurse with Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association for six years. She is a resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut, and she cares for patients in Ridgefield, Wilton and surrounding towns.

“The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) is so very proud of Erin O’Rourke’s recognition today at the State Capital. Erin is one of the finest home and community healthcare nurses who make a significant impact day in and day on the lives of our many patient populations. She performs vital work and demonstrates excellent clinical skills, empathy, compassion and professionalism in the most humble and caring manner. We congratulate Erin today and thank her for the excellent care she provides our most vulnerable patients in their homes,” remarked Theresa Santoro, President and CEO of the RVNA.

The Outstanding Clinician of the Year Award honors a non-profit home healthcare or hospice clinician working as a nurse, therapist, home health aide, social worker, complimentary therapist, or in pastoral care whose achievements and contributions have enriched the individual’s agency, the lives of his/her patients, and the image of the profession.

The winner must demonstrate an awareness of the total person in clinical interventions – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – and make significant improvements in patients’ clinical outcomes, among other attributes.

“Her work here at RVNA is just exceptional. She is also in the process of becoming certified in diabetes care to be able to offer more advanced nursing services to patients with this chronic disease,” said Natalie Farrar, RVNA Vice President of Clinical Operations.

According to Eileen Grande, Director of External Affairs-VNAA, “After much consideration, the committee was pleased to select Erin, as she exemplifies all the qualities this award honors. Erin’s selection is recognition of the valuable service she provides Ridgefield VNA and the community.”

O’Rourke received The Outstanding Clinician of the Year Award at the Visiting Nurse Association of America’s annual meeting in April in New Orleans, Louisiana.