Clinical systems analyst bridges nursing and technology
August 04, 2017
SOUTHINGTON - Kathy Chiulli, RN, MSN, no longer provides direct patient care but her work has impacted nursing staff and residents across the board. As the clinical systems analyst for Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, she recently received the Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing, Connecticut's largest state-wide nursing recognition program. She was among three Hartford HealthCare Senior Services nurses being honored, the others being Jodi Trottier, Southington Care Center; and Maureen Lahickey, RN, case manager/admissions director, Jefferson House.
“Kathy is an amazing teacher, coach and mentor who also happens to have an extraordinary technical and analytical gift,” according to her nomination.
Under her leadership, the new electronic medical records system was successfully implemented at Southington Care Center, Arbor Rose and Jerome Home. “With the resident always at the center, every decision was made with quality and safety at the forefront,” the nomination details. “The hundreds of staff that were affected by this project looked to Kathy for leadership, a sense of calm, patience and understanding. Her confidence, professionalism and support during this very stressful time ensured a smooth transition and instilled confidence in the team and in the software.”
Other roles include conducting training as well as new hire orientation for all licensed personnel so that they are comfortable with the software. “My role is unique in senior services – I am the bridge between technology and nursing,” she said.
A resident of Southington for 18 years, she credits her family as the inspiration for being a nurse. “I come from a long line of nursing professionals – my mom, aunt, maternal grandmother and many others, all nurses. I have always wanted to go into healthcare,” she said.
Her experience has encompassed multiple roles including critical care, post-anesthesia care, and she even spent a few years working for a medical device manufacturer, becoming a clinical expert in laparoscopic and bariatric surgical instruments. Chiulli began working as staff development coordinator at Southington Care Center in July 2012. Throughout it all, her zeal has only grown.
“I have seen people at the most vulnerable times in their lives, I’ve been there for someone’s final breath, I’ve made mistakes and been able to learn from them, I’ve shared my knowledge and helped build confidence in others,” Chiulli said. “I have been rewarded in so many ways and feel truly blessed to have had every opportunity that nursing has given me.”