Victoria Hill-DiLando is this recipient of the Exceptional APRN Recognition Award.

Victoria Hill-DiLando, MSN, NP, is known among her colleagues and patients for many things: her professionalism, clinical expertise and clear communication, to name a few. Rising to the top of the list is her commitment to ensuring every patient receives what they need, no matter the obstacle.

Mary-Christine Sullivan, MPH, NP, a colleague of Hill-DiLando, recalled an instance during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when a patient was isolated from their family and having difficulty breathing. “The family was terrified to go to the Emergency Room,” Sullivan said. “Tory called them again and again, talking with them in Spanish until they were able to arrange transport to the hospital.”

Hill-DiLando called again in the following days to find out how the patient was doing.

“This simple act of picking up the phone, calling, talking with multiple family members, listening until every question is answered, ending her calls with ‘Cuidese mucho,’ (take very good care of yourself) is how she shines,” said Sullivan.

Cynthia So-Armah, Tory Hill-DiLando, Christa Jean-Baptiste and Meg Cole

Many families in Hill-DiLando’s care have similar stories of how she has worked to coordinate care and advocate on their behalf during challenging situations. For her exemplary professional practice, Hill-DiLando was selected as the first recipient of the Exceptional APRN Recognition Award, which launched this fall.

“We are honored to celebrate Tory and elevate the recognition of our tremendous advanced practice nurses and their contributions with this new award,” said Lindsay Harris, NP, senior director of Advanced Practice Nursing.

Hill-DiLando, who has worked at Brookside for seven years in Adult Gerontology/Primary Care, was nominated for the award by Sullivan and surprised with a visit from nursing leaders at the center during National Nurse Practitioner Week in November.

“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” said Hill-DiLando. “It is special to slow down and reflect on this recognition and allow it to strengthen my commitment to continue to care for others. It is especially meaningful to be nominated by individuals whom I personally draw inspiration from.”

Aaron Mann, MD, who contributed to Hill-DiLando’s nomination, noted that he feels fortunate to share many patients with her as part of the team-based model at Brookside.

“She easily establishes rapport with patients and their families, ensuring they feel heard and supported. Her empathy and patience create a comforting environment, which is particularly important in today’s fast-paced healthcare setting,” he said. “Her clinical care is so well received that many of my patient visits start with me listening to my patients recount how much they appreciated the care they got at their last visit with Victoria.”

From left: Christa Jean-Baptiste, Mary-Christine Sullivan, Tory Hill, Lindsay Harris and Kendra Crawford

Mann highlighted numerous examples of her advocacy in helping patients receive the care and resources they needed, no matter the challenge.

“She has exceptional clinical judgment and decision-making abilities and possesses a rare ability to manage complex medical and social patient cases, all while providing evidence-based care,” said Mann.

Hill-DiLando is deeply committed to quality improvement and contributing to solutions that benefit patients and staff. She completed a project as part of the Primary Care Leadership Program that resulted in booking guidelines for front desk staff that reduced the rate of virtual visits requiring a follow-up in-person visit. She also participated in the BWH Serious Illness Care Program, helping to educate providers at Brookside on how to have serious illness conversations.

Hill-DiLando also educates the next generation of advanced practice nurses as a preceptor for new NPs at Brookside and through her work as an instructor in the Mass General Hospital Institute of Health Professions, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

The award will be celebrated during National Nurses Week events in May.