At a special event honoring YNHH caregivers, Mark Grindell and Beth Ann Grindell Spargo (right) congratulated Keilan LaBranche, PCA, on receiving the first Frances Grindell Scholarship, established in memory of their mother, a longtime nurse.

YNHH honors caregivers, presents scholarship

Longtime nurse Frances Q. Grindell, RN, passed away in 2015, but her memory and spirit were very much in evidence at a Nov. 7 event to honor Yale New Haven Hospital caregivers.

More than 200 people gathered in the 55 Park St. auditorium for the event, which recognized patient care associates, clinical technicians, emergency department technical associates and technicians, medical assistants, technical associates, milieu counselors, mental health workers and radiology care assistants.

Keilan LaBranche, PCA, Center for Musculoskeletal Care unit (Verdi 4 North), received the hospital's first Frances Grindell Patient Care Associate, Clinical Technician and Emergency Department Technical Associate Scholarship, to be given annually to an employee pursuing a nursing degree. Mark Grindell and Beth Ann Grindell Spargo were at the event to congratulate LaBranche and share memories of their mother, who educated and oriented many patient care associates during her 44 years as a nurse.

"Know she is watching over you, guiding you every step of the way in caring for your patients," Spargo told the group.

Also at the event, the hospital recognized 46 caregivers for advancing on the clinical ladder. Sue Fitzsimons, RN, PhD, senior vice president, Patient Services, lauded all of the caregivers for their contributions to patients, family members and their fellow employees.

"Your care and compassion make such a difference in the lives of others," she said.

For more information about the Grindell Scholarship, PCAs, CTs and EDTAs can visit HR Connect.