Barbara Reese, Pediatrics Triage and Charge Nurse, Named Day Kimball Healthcare Employee of the Month

Barbara Reese, a registered nurse at the Day Kimball Medical Group Pediatrics practice in Plainfield, has been named Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH) employee of the month for December. 

Reese, whose experience in healthcare spans more than 41 years, began her career when she enlisted in the United States Army and received training as an army medic and eye, ear, nose and throat technician. She worked in that field for two years and upon discharge from the military, began her nursing education under the GI Bill, working her way through school as a nursing aid at Mercy Hospital in New York. Her experience also includes orthopedics nursing. 

In 1985, after moving to East Woodstock, Conn., Reese began working on the surgical floor at Day Kimball Hospital and then with inpatient pediatrics. After 23 years in acute care, she transitioned to primary care pediatrics. 

Today, as a triage/charge nurse at the Pediatrics practice in Plainfield, Reese is responsible for handling incoming phone calls from families who have health concerns about their children. She is also instrumental in the day-to-day running of the practice, assisting with administrative work and the management of staffing, supplies and vaccines.

According to Donna Manni, regional director of operations for Day Kimball Medical Group and Reese’s supervisor, Reese’s shining quality is her compassion. “Her compassion is amazing and heartfelt,” Manni said.

Reese’s coworkers both past and present echoed that sentiment at a gathering on December 22 to honor her selection as employee of the month. 

“I’ve probably worked with Barbara the longest,” said Nancy Zamagni, Physician Office Liaison/ EMR Trainer for Day Kimball Medical Group. “I worked with her on Med-Surg and saw first-hand how her compassion for children goes above and beyond. She would give me her report at the end of her shift and inevitably have me crying because she was so connected and invested in her pediatric patients. She is the biggest patient advocate I know and a hard, hard worker for her patients and her coworkers,” Zamagni said.

“I’m very grateful for being chosen for this award,” said Reese. “I love working with children and I feel honored that my fellow employees recognize my work and selected me as employee of the month. In a couple of weeks it will be 31 years that I’ve been with Day Kimball. It’s been a long journey and I’ve met so many smart, professional people who are truly focused on the patient, and I feel so blessed to be a part of that.” 

Reese holds a BS degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix and an associate degree in Applied Science Nursing from Jefferson Community College, Watertown, New York. She is also certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Reese is married, has two children, and resides in East Woodstock, Conn. She is an active volunteer for the Connecticut Audubon Citizen Science Programs.