March 24, 2025
For the 24th consecutive year, nurses were named the most respected profession in 2025. According to Gallup, “three in four Americans consider nurses highly honest and ethical, making them the most trusted of 23 professions rated in Gallup’s annual measurement.”
You won’t find an argument from Susanne Yeakel, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNML, FAONL, Director of Nursing at Hartford Hospital—an influential leader who takes great pride in her mentorship of many nurses who advanced the profession in achieving both safety and quality outcomes contributing to Hartford Hospital becoming one of the best and most trusted and respected hospitals in the nation.
“I think nursing is more than a job, it’s a calling,” shares Susanne. “I am a mother, daughter, and a nurse…it is part of me. You touch people’s lives, and you listen to their most intimate and innermost thoughts. We collaborate with the healthcare team to transition acutely ill patients through their continuum of care.”
She has held several nursing leadership roles over her 43-year career at Hartford Hospital and built a reputation as an approachable and supportive leader, appreciative of both her colleagues and the many opportunities the hospital provides.
“I am so proud to work at Hartford Hospital, and I take every chance I can to talk with nurses on the floor about the many advantages we have at Hartford HealthCare,” she says. “There are opportunities to further one’s education, obtain a degree, and advance your career. I am currently enrolled in the Doctoral Nursing Program at the University of Hartford.
“It is an amazing time to be a nurse within this organization,” Susanne adds. “Our first female Hartford Hospital president Cheryl Ficara is a nurse. We are known for providing excellent care and our Leapfrog safety grades at each of the seven Hartford HealthCare hospitals are amazing. Our nurses review the data and revise standard work to maintain our quality metrics.”
Pictured Above: Susanne Yeakel, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CNML, FAONL, poses with her son, Alexander Yeakel, RN, who followed in his mother’s footsteps and also works at Hartford Hospital as an Emergency Nurse Educator.
Susanne has received numerous accolades throughout her distinguished career, including awards that honor nurses she worked with—such as the Doris Armstrong Award, the Pamela Leigh Vecchiarino Award, and the Mary Jane Williams Award. In 2025, she was named an inductee of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership Fellow Designation Program, a prestigious honor that celebrates her outstanding contributions to nursing leadership, dedication to service, and influence in shaping the future of healthcare.
“I am excited, and it is an honor for me, but I am more honored that the award is recognizing nursing at Hartford Hospital,” shares Susanne. “The awards are meaningful because of what they stand for and who they are celebrating: Doris, Pamela, Mary Jane, and our Hartford Hospital nurses and leaders.”
Susanne’s appreciation for Hartford Hospital and respect for the nursing profession led her to join the 1854 Society, a distinguished group of individuals who committed to including Hartford Hospital in their estate plans, ensuring our community’s future generations will have access to world-class care and innovative medical technology.
“I need to give back to Hartford Hospital because of what it has given me. It is something I always wanted to do and now I am in the position to do it…and it was not a difficult decision. Every day we can touch another life. That is what is special about nurses and Hartford Hospital.”
“It is an honor and privilege to know Susanne Yeakel,” says Lynn B. Rossini, Vice President of Hartford Hospital Philanthropy. “She is a consummate professional, an extraordinary leader and mentor, and she is respected by all who know her. Susanne’s commitment to philanthropy and her generous support of Hartford Hospital is truly extraordinary.”
Planned Giving | 1854 Society
The 1854 Society recognizes donors planning gifts today that will provide significant benefits in the future for those in Hartford Hospital’s care. Click here to learn more about planned giving at Hartford Hospital.
Hartford Hospital Nursing Awards
There are many ways to recognize Hartford Hospital Nurses, including making a gift in their honor or establishing your own award or scholarship program to celebrate the nursing profession. Our Philanthropy Team would be happy to help you explore your giving options.