June 13, 2023
Deborah Boesch-O’Toole, (Debbie) Director of Perioperative Services, a nurse at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, received the prestigious “Laura Goodale Nurse of the Year Award” for 2023 at a dinner held in her honor at the Townsend Manor Restaurant in Greenport.
The Laura Goodale Award, established in 1986 by Carl E. Vail, Sr., and the Southold-Greenport Rotary, is a prestigious honor that pays tribute to the memory of Laura Goodale, a former ELI nursing staff member who dedicated 42 years of her life to serving the community. She was affectionately known locally as the "Florence Nightingale" of the North Fork. Laura began her career here at ELI in 1918.
Laura had no formal nursing training; however, her remarkable service record and exceptional caregiving skills left a lasting legacy on the community. ELI proudly honors her memory, which continues to live on in the hearts and minds of many. Today, we honor Laura's legacy by recognizing another exceptional nurse, Debbie, for her outstanding service to our patients, her teams, our hospital, and the nursing profession.
Debbie leads our OR, Ambulatory Surgery Unit, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, and Central Sterile department. Debbie is an incredibly accomplished OR nurse with a bachelor’s in nursing and OR and Central Sterile Processing Certifications.
It seems only fitting that she be a recipient of this prestigious award because she has also dedicated her life to her patients, our patients, and ensuring they receive the best possible care that is individualized, thoughtful, and evidenced-based.
Like Florence and Laura, Debbie has a passion and talent for helping others, always with kindness, compassion, integrity, empathy, and sensitivity. She is innovative – always thinking and looking for ways to improve how we do things, and if she hits a brick wall, she finds a way around it or over it with tireless enthusiasm and energy. A recent example of this was getting our Wound Expert software fully operationalized, working in partnership with the nursing team, Dr. Hughes, Dr. Keckeison, and Medical Records. Finding ways to keep the team remain motivated and engaged while they learn the processes.
Debbie – is an inspirational and proud leader who serves her team and cares deeply for each and every one of them. She has an amazing talent for connecting people and making a team. She commands respect with her collaborative, strengths-based approach, and attention to detail. She is an excellent role model who often rolls up her sleeves to help out in a pinch. A courageous leader who isn’t afraid to have a difficult conversation calmly, thoughtfully, and kindly if it needs to be had. One of Florence’s work mottos reminds me of Debbie: "Never give nor take an excuse.” Debbie tries to understand and help people be the best they can be with warmth and grace.
Debbie is well respected and liked by all, including surgeons, staff, reps, patients, and loved ones alike. We are extremely lucky to have her on our leadership team!
Outside of work she volunteers for the Warrior Ranch and cares for the horses. The Warrior Ranch is an equestrian therapy center for our serving members, veterans, and first responders.
