Winner in the nursing administration-executive category
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| Connie Gutshall |
“Accepting the Nightingale Award was one of the greatest days of my life,” said Connie Gutshall, director of clinical services, nursing affairs at WellSpan York Hospital. "I was just thrilled.”
Gutshall won the state award in the nursing administration-executive category. Named as one of three finalists, Gutshall didn’t know she was the winner until her name was announced at the celebration banquet at the Radisson-Penn Harris in Camp Hill on Friday, Oct. 26.
“I was stunned when I heard my name called,” she said. “I didn’t think I would win.”
Being surrounded by family members, friends and co-workers made the moment even more special.
“I felt so much love and support,” she offered. “It was the neatest feeling in the world. I felt like a winner, even before they called my name.
“It was a very special night, one that I’ll never forget. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I’ve been on Cloud 9 ever since I accepted the award.”
During her acceptance speech, Gutshall thanked her mother, who was a patient in WellSpan York Hospital. She was anxiously waiting to hear whether her daughter had won the Nightingale Award.
“My mother told me that I wanted to be a nurse when I was three years old,” she said. “She taught me tenacity and to jump into things with both feet.”
Gutshall is known for her leadership, passion and advocacy. Here are some quotes from Gutshall’s Nightingale Awards nomination form:
- “This senior nursing leader demonstrates visionary leadership at the system, hospital, nursing service line and unit levels.”
- “She was the first pioneer to implement the Shared Decision Making philosophy and structure in the hospital.”
- “She is a pioneer in building coalitions and relationships, especially with medical staff.”
- “Over the past 17 years, she has established a reputation as a ‘clinical director to work with,’ meaning high nursing leadership retention and satisfaction with a waiting list should a position open.”
- “She always gives credit to others and promotes their accomplishments while keeping a low profile.”
Gutshall also has played an instrumental role in the implementation of Patient and Family Centered Care; Camp Green Zone, a camp for children with asthma; Safe Sleep Initiative; the Post Partum Depression Program and risk screening tool; and WellSpan York Hospital’s Magnet designation.
More than 80 nurses from across the state were nominated for Nightingale Awards of Pennsylvania in nine categories.
Past Nightingale Award winners from WellSpan include: Bonita Trapnell and Jodi Arnold (2011); Astrid Davis (2010); Linda Pugh (2008); Cherylyn Strickhouser and Rhada Hartmann (2005); Joann Smith (2004); Dianne Moore (2003); Diane McElwain (2002); Henry Blymire and Nicole Grim (2000); Connie Sixta (1997) and Barb Buchko (1995).