Dr. Valerie Terzano stands as the nursing leader for the largest workforce on the Long Island campus, embodying the essence of nursing for over a quarter of a century, stepping into the CNO role in 1999.  Her leadership is defined by integrity, serving as a beacon of inspiration for the nursing profession. Val's dedication extends to personally welcoming every orientation class of new nurses, instilling her passion for nursing, and setting high expectations for the nursing staff, many of whom are recent graduates. She extends her influence beyond our organization, participating in white coat ceremonies at local colleges to motivate new students embarking on their nursing journey. Val believes nursing is a privilege, emphasizing the intimate relationship nurses forge with patients during their most vulnerable moments.

A champion of nursing practice, Val ensures that nursing staff have the necessary tools and resources to excel. She fosters a culture of continuous professional growth, encouraging all nursing staff, including the leadership team, to reach their full potential. Val's contributions to nursing leadership have earned her recognition from both colleagues and the broader nursing community. In 2008, she received the Nursing Spectrum Excellence Award for her outstanding leadership and continues to lead and advance the profession today. Additionally, she served on the Nassau Suffolk Hospital Council as chairperson of the Nurse Executive Committee and of the Nurse of Excellence Subcommittee.  

She has been acknowledged by Crain’s New York Business as a notable LGBTQ leader for her efforts in advancing LGBTQ-related issues in healthcare. Additionally, her contributions to the nursing academic community, serving on advisory councils at Molloy University and Farmingdale State College, will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Despite her prestigious accolades, Val's most cherished recognition comes from her staff, colleagues, patients, and their families. Her unwavering commitment to furthering the nursing profession is reflected in her own personal and professional development. Val's pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Research from Molloy University in 2022 exemplifies her dedication to advancing nursing knowledge. Her research on the lived experiences of transgender individuals seeking healthcare pioneers’ scientific study in diversity, equity, and inclusion in patient-centered care.

Val's leadership extends to clinical partnerships and patient care initiatives. She actively engages with our new graduate nurses participating in the Residency Program to facilitate the transition of novice nurses into clinical practice. Her commitment to the patient experience is evident in initiatives such as the Forever Heart program, providing comfort and compassion to patients at the end of life. A program she so generously shared nationally at a nursing research society meeting.  

As an executive nursing leader, Val has spearheaded transformative decisions to elevate nursing and patient care standards. Under her guidance, the nursing department has achieved national recognition for quality and safety, contributing to the hospital's acclaim as a leading medical center and of course ongoing Magnet designation!

Val's advocacy for the patient experience, particularly for LGBTQ patients, and her dedication to compassionate care have left an indelible mark on our organization. She embodies the values of professionalism and integrity, serving as a mentor and role model to nursing staff at all levels.

Reflecting on their time at Winthrop Hospital/NYU Langone Health, one finds it difficult to articulate the profound impact Val has had on their personal and professional growth. Throughout their tenure, they have gleaned invaluable lessons from her leadership. Beyond being an executive, Val has seamlessly transitioned into a trusted confidant, someone with whom they can openly discuss anything. Witnessing the ease with which staff approaches Val to address concerns or share thoughts is a testament to her exceptional character and leadership prowess. 

Val consistently prioritizes attending every DAISY presentation, despite her demanding schedule, to pay homage to the exceptional nurses and staff who consistently go above and beyond. She effortlessly establishes rapport with them, often lighting the atmosphere with her humor, like joking about the size of our cinnamon rolls. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt at future DAISY celebrations, but her impact will endure as we fondly remember her and strive to uphold her legacy.

In recognition of her lifetime of dedication to our profession of nursing, compassionate care, leadership, and professional development, it is fitting that Val receives the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Her impact will endure as we honor her legacy, and her presence will be deeply missed as she embarks on her next chapter.