William Heckendorf, RN, and nursing supervisor for Day Kimball Hospital, has been named employee of the month for January by Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH).

Heckendorf began his career at DKH in June 2012. Before transitioning into his supervisory role five years ago, he worked in various departments at DKH including case management, HomeCare, and the emergency department. In his role as nursing supervisor, Heckendorf is responsible for monitoring and organizing the nursing staff and assuring the facility is adhering to the policies, guidelines and protocols necessary to meet the organization’s standards. Additional responsibilities include clinical support, patient relations, and administrative issues that arise.

According to Heckendorf’s supervisor, John O’Keefe, RN, chief nursing officer and vice president of patient services, Day Kimball Healthcare, “We are delighted that William has been nominated and awarded this recognition. He is an outstanding employee and patient advocate deserving of such high accolades. We are proud to have his level of expertise on our team at Day Kimball.”

In response to being named employee of the month, Heckendorf said, “I feel unworthy, but very grateful to have been recognized as an employee of the month by my colleagues.” Heckendorf added, “The opportunity to share my clinical experience to educate, mentor, and develop other staff at Day Kimball is what I like most about my job”

Heckendorf grew up in Woodstock, CT where he still resides with his wife Andrea and their two daughters Ainsley, 7 years-old, and Charlotte, 5 years-old. Outside of work, Heckendorf enjoys the winter, traveling to Europe, skiing, and flying airplanes.

Day Kimball Healthcare’s employee of the month program is sponsored by Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. “The Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods Resort Casino has been focused on taking care of the people that serve within our community, and we appreciate everything Day Kimball Healthcare does,” said Foxwood’s Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships Roy Colebut-Ingram. “Supporting meaningful employee recognition programs like that at DKH is just one way that we feel we can express our appreciation.”

PHOTO CAPTION: (l to r): DKH Interim President, Joseph Adiletta, DKH Board of Directors Interim Chairman, Janice Thurlow, DKH Employee of the Month, William Heckendorf, and DKH Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President of Patient Services, John O’Keefe at Heckendorf’s Employee of the Month celebration, held January 28 at Day Kimball Hospital.