Only hospital in Connecticut to receive the national recognition for nursing excellence in 2025

Day Kimball Hospital (DKH) has earned its eighth consecutive CNOR® Strong designation from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI), a national recognition of the hospital’s ongoing commitment to excellence in perioperative nursing. DKH is the only hospital in Connecticut to receive this designation in 2025.  

The CNOR® Strong designation is awarded to facilities where at least 50% of eligible operating room (OR) nursing staff are Certified Perioperative Nurses (CNOR®), a credential that signifies advanced clinical knowledge, a commitment to education, and adherence to the highest standards in surgical care. It is the only nationally accredited certification specifically for perioperative registered nurses. 

“Receiving this recognition for the eighth year is more than a milestone, it is a reflection of the passion and professionalism that defines our surgical services team, said Cheryl Petrarca, DKH Executive Director of Nursing and Director of Surgical Services. “CNOR certification is a rigorous process, and I am so proud of our nurses for taking on this challenge. It underscores their commitment to delivering the safest, highest-quality care possible. This designation is a testament to their drive to grow as professionals and to always put patients first.”

“This achievement is an example of what makes DKH unique,” added Kyle Kramer, CEO of Day Kimball Health. “To be the only hospital in the state to receive this recognition speaks volumes to the caliber of our nurses and the culture of excellence they help foster every day. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, their leadership in the field, and the meaningful impact they make on the lives of the patients and families we serve.”

By earning the CNOR® Strong designation year after year, DKH joins a select group of hospitals nationwide that prioritize certification and lifelong learning. This achievement not only elevates the quality of surgical care provided at DKH, but also strengthens its reputation as a community hospital dedicated to best practices, patient safety, and nursing excellence. As healthcare continues to evolve, DKH’s focus on advanced certification helps to ensure that the residents of Northeast Connecticut receive high-quality, compassionate care.

For more information about the Competency and Credentialing Institute, visit cc-institute.org. For more information on Day Kimball Hospital visit daykimball.org.