In October of 1987 Sandy Delong started her nursing career as an LPN. She worked a part-time evening shift on Lyman 1. In 1996, Sandy completed her RN program and transferred to Lyman 2 where a short time later, she became the Senior RN. From then on, over the years Sandy received several, and I mean several recognitions! She was the recipient of the Dolly Parisi scholarship award, was nominated not once but three times for an I-Care award, and was a two-time honoree for the Nightingale Award for Nursing Excellence! In February of 2021, Sandy was recognized by the Hamden Chamber of Commerce as a Healthcare Hero.

Hero is an understatement—Sandy faced the Covid 19 pandemic with bravery, vigor, and creativity. Leading her nurses through a plethora of policy changes and unknown consequences of the pandemic, her resiliency, and leadership by example is something we will never forget. The qualities one must exhibit to be considered for any of these awards are daily attributes that Sandy lives by. She is not one that needs to be in the spotlight or on a highway billboard —she is just a natural-born nurse superhero!

Sandy’s successful career continued down the leadership path when she became a nurse manager in 2001. In December of 2008, under Sandy’s leadership, Gaylord opened the Milne nursing units—where new technology and innovative nursing practice continue to grow and flourish! In 2017, Gaylord began to search for a new Chief Nursing Officer. There was no question to look to Sandy to take on this interim role during a very challenging time for nursing. During a short period, Sandy helped to rebuild nursing teams and stabilize the staffing. Just in time to welcome and help guide a new Chief Nurse. Sandy took the time to speak with me (incoming CNO) several times before I even started. She welcomed me into the Gaylord Family with open arms, collaboration, and much encouragement. I instantly felt the support and knew I was in a place where I was meant to be.

Throughout the years, Sandy has mentored several nurses at Gaylord. She is known throughout the organization to promote and encourage the professional growth and development of nurses. Sandy has the gift to inspire people to reach for the stars. She helps you recognize your own potential and capabilities. Living the true Gaylord spirit, Sandy makes you realize that as long as you think it is possible, anything is possible. There are no words to express how much Sandy will be missed. She helped to build a strong nursing leadership team that is in place today and her legacy will live on in all we do.