Ellen Komar, DNP(c), MPA, RN, NEA-BC
Sr. VP, Patient Care Services &
Chief Nursing Officer
At Stamford Health, excellence in nursing practice is at the heart of everything we do. Our nurses embody compassion, clinical expertise, and a commitment to delivering the highest quality care to our patients and their families. Through evidence-based practice, continuous learning, and a culture of collaboration, our nursing team drives innovation and ensures outstanding patient outcomes.
We take pride in fostering a supportive environment where professional growth and shared decision-making empower our nurses to excel. Whether at the bedside, in leadership, or in the community, Stamford Health nurses make a meaningful impact every day. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
Celebrating Our Success

As a proud two-time ANCC Magnet® designated organization, we are among 10% of hospitals nationwide to have been awarded this prestigious designation, and one of six hospitals in the state of Connecticut. To achieve this designation, we must meet rigorous standards that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice, leadership, and patient care. The Magnet® Model serves as a foundation, focusing on five key concepts:
Transformational Leadership: Nursing leaders inspire and empower staff, driving innovation and positive change throughout the organization.
Structural Empowerment: Nurses are engaged in decision-making, professional development, and community outreach, ensuring they have a strong voice in practice and policy.
Exemplary Professional Practice: Nursing care is evidence-based, person-centered, and demonstrates high-quality outcomes supported by interprofessional collaboration.
New Knowledge, Innovations, and Improvements: The organization fosters a culture of continuous learning, research, and innovation to improve nursing practice and patient care.
Empirical Outcomes: The hospital provides measurable, data-driven evidence of nursing excellence, including superior patient outcomes, nursing satisfaction, and quality metrics.
The Magnet Recognition Program designates organizations worldwide where nursing leaders successfully align their nursing strategic goals to improve the organization’s patient outcomes. The Magnet Recognition Program provides a roadmap to nursing excellence, which benefits the whole of an organization. To nurses, Magnet Recognition means education and development through every career stage, which leads to greater autonomy at the bedside. To patients, it means the very best care, delivered by nurses who are supported to be the very best that they can be.
To achieve such a designation, hospitals must undergo a year-long rigorous process, that includes both a comprehensive document submission and an onsite evaluation. In the midst of managing through a pandemic, our dedicated team not only submitted a successful document, but excelled and thrived during our virtual site visit.
We’re proud of this honor. We're proud of our nurses and healthcare team.
*The Magnet Recognition Program®, ANCC Magnet Recognition®, Magnet®, ANCC National Magnet Conference®, and Journey to Magnet Excellence® names and logos are registered trademarks of the American Nurses Credentialing Center. All rights reserved.
Stamford Health’s Nursing Professional Practice Model
At Stamford Health, our Nursing Professional Practice Model (PPM) serves as the foundation for delivering exceptional, person-centered care. Rooted in our mission, values, and commitment to excellence, our PPM reflects how all nurses at Stamford Health contribute to quality outcomes, professional development, and interprofessional collaboration.
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Vision
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Mission
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Philosophy
To be the most trusted health care partner for compassionate, innovative, and quality nursing practice across the continuum of health care services.
We are committed to providing exceptional, person-centered care that is innovative and individualized for our diverse community through evidence-based practice, research, and advancement in professional nursing care. We will advocate for our patients, families, and community using an interprofessional approach while promoting a safe, healing environment to achieve the highest quality outcomes.
We believe in:
- Supporting a professional nursing model that includes research and evidence-based practice.
- A professional governance practice environment.
- Person- and family-centered care.
- Respecting cultural diversity.
- Providing safe, compassionate care.
- Partnering with the community to promote health and wellness.
- Lifelong learning for nurses, patients, and families.
- Acting as patient advocates.
- Achieving exceptional, quality outcomes for our patients.
- Acting in alignment with the organization’s core values.