Kelly Haeckel

We gathered together for the Annual meeting of ONL - NE (Organization of Nurse Leaders New England) this past week in beautiful Newport, RI! Together, we networked, leaned in, and learned the further critical importance of our leadership and its impact on the work we do. We celebrated leadership and those who accomplished honored awards and scholarships for educational advancement.

Additionally, I have passed the gavel to my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Nadia Raymond. Congratulations to you! I have all the confidence and trust in you.

My time as President of ONL-NE has been a true honor and privilege to serve the nurse leaders of New England. Together, we will continue to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact on healthcare and our nursing profession. ONL-NE will remain steadfast in its impact on fostering an environment where nurse leaders will grow and impact healthcare.

Congratulations to our newest DAISY Award winners, Caitlin and Dawn!

Compassionate care is often found in the smallest moments, and Caitlin and Dawn made a lasting impact on one patient through their kindness, teamwork, and attention to detail.

A grateful patient shared:

“Each nurse had specific tasks and worked together seamlessly. They both checked on me several times while I waited for my turn to get my procedure done. I am a larger-sized woman, and Caitlin and Dawn made what could have been an embarrasing situation for me from weighing in, to dressing in the gown, comfortable and a non issue. They were checking on my comfort level and asking if I needed anything. They both chose the perfect career for their personalities, compassion and care. Patients are fortunate to have had their care. Skilled nursing at its best."

Thank you, Caitlin and Dawn, for exemplifying the compassion, teamwork, and excellence that define extraordinary nursing care. Your commitment to making every patient feel comfortable, supported, and valued is truly deserving of this recognition. We are proud to celebrate this well-earned honor and grateful for the exceptional care you provide each day.

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, I would like to recognize all of our dedicated professionals who provide compassionate care, support, and advocacy for patients and families facing mental health challenges. Every day, our teams make a meaningful difference through their empathy, expertise, and commitment to caring for the whole person. Your dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for all that you do!

Please join me in congratulating Alexandra, one of our outstanding APRNs, on being named our newest DAISY Award recipient!

In this patient’s words:

“Alex exemplifies not only the qualities of an outstanding medical provider, she is clearly up-to-date on the most current medical research and appears confident in that knowledge. The nursing aspect of Alex is evidenced by her caring, compassion, and the time she spends patiently answering all questions.

Alex is truly one in 1 million and the best primary care provider I have had throughout the course of my life.”

This recognition reflects the compassionate, patient-centered care we strive to provide every day. Congratulations, Alexandra, and thank you for the exceptional care you provide to our patients and community!!

I’m looking forward to the upcoming ONL Annual Meeting on June 4–5! Join us as we come together to connect, collaborate, and advance nursing leadership. I hope to see you there! https://www.oonl.org/annual-meeting

This week is EMS Week, and I would like to recognize the incredible EMS professionals we have at Middlesex Health who serve our communities with compassion and courage. Thank you for the lifesaving care you provide, the calm you bring in critical moments, and your dedication to our patients and teams. We are deeply grateful for all that you do!

Today, we celebrated the graduation of the June 2025 cohort of our Nurse Residency Program at Middlesex Health. Throughout the past year, these dedicated nurses have grown in their clinical expertise, gained confidence in their practice, and continued to demonstrate a strong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.

Congratulations to this exceptional group on this well-deserved achievement. We look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make for our patients, families, and communities!

As Nurses Week comes to an end, we wrapped up with a few special celebrations for our incredible nursing team — including a Nurse Leadership Recognition Luncheon, an ice cream social with our night shift nurses, a CHERISH event focused on healing therapies, and even a celebration of Florence Nightingale’s 206th birthday!

While the week may be ending, my gratitude for our Middlesex Health nurses continues every day. Thank you all for your compassion, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. Your dedication is what has made Middlesex Health a 6-time Magnet-designated organization, and as we continue our pursuit of a 7th designation, I am so proud to work alongside each of you.

Thank you for all that you do for our patients, our community, and one another. 💙