Christine Fijalkowski
August 2025
Christine
Fijalkowski
,
BSN, RN, CNOR
Main OR
The Hospital of Central Connecticut
New Britain
,
CT
United States
Christine is an extraordinary nurse leader who has transformed the culture, cohesion, and performance of the Main Operating Room through her leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to excellence. The following testimonials from staff and colleagues across multiple departments reflect her profound impact on patient care, teamwork, and professional development.
Staff Testimonials
Omar Christian Tuazon, RN, Staff
“When the unit manager is approachable and easy to talk to, like our nurse manager Christine, it truly encourages new nurses like me to put in our best effort. Even though she holds the title of manager, she always keeps a happy attitude and a smile on her face—something that’s contagious during our morning huddles. Her positive and upbeat energy makes us feel optimistic, which is such a great way to start the day. I am grateful and delighted to work with a manager like her, and I look forward to becoming a leader like her in the future. Thank you, Christine!”
Melissa Stevens, Staff
“Christine always does her best to ensure we have all the resources we need as OR nurses to be our best. Not only does this encourage us to strive for excellence, but it also supports exemplary patient care. Her work never ends. She is always willing to answer a call, field a question, or help in a room by cleaning between cases if a break is needed. There is nothing she won’t do to support us. Christine started as an OR nurse herself; she knows what it takes and freely shares her knowledge. She is simply amazing!”
Rekha Singh, MD, FACS – Chief of Surgery, HOCC
“Since becoming the Main OR Manager several years ago, Christine has been the driving force behind a complete culture change. Before her leadership, the OR often operated with an ‘us vs. them’ mentality—staff vs. leadership, surgeons vs. staff, anesthesia vs. staff. Christine transformed these attitudes through principled action, high expectations, and leading by example.
She maintains a strong customer-focused mission and embodies exceptional surgical service to patients and surgeons alike. Her understanding of interdisciplinary teamwork has elevated the OR’s efficiency and performance. She has collaborated with multiple departments, including the Trauma Program, to streamline care for emergent surgical patients and strengthen mass-casualty preparedness. Christine has also been integral to HHC’s Peri-Op Council, shaping system-wide policy across the organization. Her leadership has been invaluable.”
Christina Alli, Sterile Processing Staff
“Christine is an excellent and motivating leader. Every morning, she can be seen assisting her team with opening and setting up surgical rooms. She has even stepped in to assist SPD, such as helping rewrap sterile instruments when temperature and humidity issues occurred. She is appreciated by both her staff and the Sterile Processing team!”
Lea Lee, Director
“I have worked with Christine in many capacities, and she is the definition of an inspiring leader. She elevates those around her through compassion, mentorship, and unwavering dedication.
Christine leads with her heart. Her kindness, empathy, and presence set the tone for an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. She is a natural mentor who helps her team grow in both skill and confidence.
What truly sets Christine apart is her willingness to work side-by-side with her team, never above rolling up her sleeves, whether during staffing shortages or while helping new nurses learn the ropes. Her leadership has cultivated a culture of growth and opportunity. In Christine’s OR, nurses don’t just come to work; they come to grow.
She is more than a leader. She is a builder of people, a nurturer of potential, and a pillar of compassionate leadership.”
Carly Conchado, Staff
“She has been such a positive addition to my nursing career and personal life. She is unconditionally loyal to her staff, helping them at all hours with any dilemma. She is supportive beyond belief, ensuring everyone is comfortable and happy. She is the best manager I’ve ever had, and I am grateful for her beyond words.”
Annette McFadden, Staff
“Christine goes above and beyond for her staff, always ensuring everyone is happy. I have never seen her without a smile. She is genuine, fair, and kind. She’s just a beautiful person. She cares about her employees, and she’s fair.”
Toni Maynard, Staff
“Christine is wonderful! She is so compassionate and takes time for whatever moment is at hand. I’ve seen many OR nurses compliment her focus on patient care, and it truly creates a comforting OR culture to be part of.”
Morgan O'Dell, Staff
“Christine was a staff nurse when I started here four years ago. She was a natural leader even then, precepting new employees and always being someone we could go to with questions. Her knowledge and integrity made her more than qualified for the manager role. Since stepping into leadership, she has collaborated with staff and leaders to make countless improvements.
She genuinely cares about the staff and the department more than any manager I’ve had. Her open-door policy allows us to voice any concern. She always puts patients first and works tirelessly to make the OR safer and more efficient.”
Staff Testimonials
Omar Christian Tuazon, RN, Staff
“When the unit manager is approachable and easy to talk to, like our nurse manager Christine, it truly encourages new nurses like me to put in our best effort. Even though she holds the title of manager, she always keeps a happy attitude and a smile on her face—something that’s contagious during our morning huddles. Her positive and upbeat energy makes us feel optimistic, which is such a great way to start the day. I am grateful and delighted to work with a manager like her, and I look forward to becoming a leader like her in the future. Thank you, Christine!”
Melissa Stevens, Staff
“Christine always does her best to ensure we have all the resources we need as OR nurses to be our best. Not only does this encourage us to strive for excellence, but it also supports exemplary patient care. Her work never ends. She is always willing to answer a call, field a question, or help in a room by cleaning between cases if a break is needed. There is nothing she won’t do to support us. Christine started as an OR nurse herself; she knows what it takes and freely shares her knowledge. She is simply amazing!”
Rekha Singh, MD, FACS – Chief of Surgery, HOCC
“Since becoming the Main OR Manager several years ago, Christine has been the driving force behind a complete culture change. Before her leadership, the OR often operated with an ‘us vs. them’ mentality—staff vs. leadership, surgeons vs. staff, anesthesia vs. staff. Christine transformed these attitudes through principled action, high expectations, and leading by example.
She maintains a strong customer-focused mission and embodies exceptional surgical service to patients and surgeons alike. Her understanding of interdisciplinary teamwork has elevated the OR’s efficiency and performance. She has collaborated with multiple departments, including the Trauma Program, to streamline care for emergent surgical patients and strengthen mass-casualty preparedness. Christine has also been integral to HHC’s Peri-Op Council, shaping system-wide policy across the organization. Her leadership has been invaluable.”
Christina Alli, Sterile Processing Staff
“Christine is an excellent and motivating leader. Every morning, she can be seen assisting her team with opening and setting up surgical rooms. She has even stepped in to assist SPD, such as helping rewrap sterile instruments when temperature and humidity issues occurred. She is appreciated by both her staff and the Sterile Processing team!”
Lea Lee, Director
“I have worked with Christine in many capacities, and she is the definition of an inspiring leader. She elevates those around her through compassion, mentorship, and unwavering dedication.
Christine leads with her heart. Her kindness, empathy, and presence set the tone for an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. She is a natural mentor who helps her team grow in both skill and confidence.
What truly sets Christine apart is her willingness to work side-by-side with her team, never above rolling up her sleeves, whether during staffing shortages or while helping new nurses learn the ropes. Her leadership has cultivated a culture of growth and opportunity. In Christine’s OR, nurses don’t just come to work; they come to grow.
She is more than a leader. She is a builder of people, a nurturer of potential, and a pillar of compassionate leadership.”
Carly Conchado, Staff
“She has been such a positive addition to my nursing career and personal life. She is unconditionally loyal to her staff, helping them at all hours with any dilemma. She is supportive beyond belief, ensuring everyone is comfortable and happy. She is the best manager I’ve ever had, and I am grateful for her beyond words.”
Annette McFadden, Staff
“Christine goes above and beyond for her staff, always ensuring everyone is happy. I have never seen her without a smile. She is genuine, fair, and kind. She’s just a beautiful person. She cares about her employees, and she’s fair.”
Toni Maynard, Staff
“Christine is wonderful! She is so compassionate and takes time for whatever moment is at hand. I’ve seen many OR nurses compliment her focus on patient care, and it truly creates a comforting OR culture to be part of.”
Morgan O'Dell, Staff
“Christine was a staff nurse when I started here four years ago. She was a natural leader even then, precepting new employees and always being someone we could go to with questions. Her knowledge and integrity made her more than qualified for the manager role. Since stepping into leadership, she has collaborated with staff and leaders to make countless improvements.
She genuinely cares about the staff and the department more than any manager I’ve had. Her open-door policy allows us to voice any concern. She always puts patients first and works tirelessly to make the OR safer and more efficient.”