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November 13, 2023 / 2023 Connecticut's Healthcare Heroes Awards

2023 Healthcare Hero: Mary C. Christoffersen

Mary C. Christoffersen, Yale New Haven Health, Bridgeport Hospital Senior Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer Return to the honorees homepage  
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Winner Category | Nurse

Mary C. Christoffersen, a nurse with more than 25 years in health care, is senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Yale-New Haven Health. Her leadership enhances patient care, fosters employee engagement and drives financial growth.

She’s known for her dedication to excellence, developing her team, passion for gardening, koi fish and family time.

What have been your significant contributions to your organization in the past year?

Nursing professional governance is vital in health care, empowering nurses to shape their practice and influence patient care. It fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among nurses, leading to better decision-making, improved patient outcomes and a culture of continuous quality improvement.

It enhances collaboration and accountability, ultimately creating a more resilient and patient-centered healthcare system. By involving nurses in key decisions and policies, professional governance recognizes their expertise, nurtures leadership and ensures the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care.

It’s an essential framework that elevates the nursing profession and promotes the well-being of both patients and health care.

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Tell us about a challenge you were able to overcome.

Nursing professional development, in collaboration with our foundation partners, offers innovative pathways for learning and growth. These partnerships provide resources, scholarships and mentorship to nurses, enabling them to expand their skills, embrace new technologies and stay at the forefront of healthcare practices.

Together, we enhance patient care and nurse excellence.

What’s your next major goal and/or challenge?

At Yale-New Haven Health Bridgeport, virtual nursing is key to addressing evolving healthcare needs through innovation and technology. It provides a platform for new nurses to learn and grow in technology, while experienced nurses can continue sharing their knowledge at the ‘virtual’ bedside, promoting a collaborative and tech-savvy healthcare environment.

Personal Side

Favorite way to relax: Walking, reading

Hobbies: Gardening, koi pond enthusiast

Favorite movie: “Star Wars”

Currently reading: “Thinking Fast and Slow,” by Daniel Kahneman

Favorite cause: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Fun fact: I love chiming clocks.

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