Linda Gildea
September 2025
Linda
Gildea
,
RN, VA-BC
Vascular Access
Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall
Newburgh
,
NY
United States

 

 

 

The strategies you have implemented to improve insertion techniques, maintenance protocols, and overall education have been instrumental in driving down infection rates.
Tammy Hufcut came to MSLC in 2014 with extensive experience in PICC line placement. She was entrusted to develop, lead, and implement the Nursing PICC Line program. Her responsibilities included developing evidence-based policies and procedures, selecting equipment, products, and introducing the new service to nursing and medical providers. With a growing program, Linda Gildea, an experienced PICC nurse, came on board in January 2020. Together, they have successfully grown from PICC Nurses to Vascular Access Specialists, raising the level of care given to our patients. They have cultivated trusting relationships with the providers and nurses and are seen as a principal resource for vascular access to patient care. I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude and commend Tammy and Linda for their outstanding collaboration with the infection prevention team to reduce Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI). Your commitment to patient safety and quality care has been remarkable, and the positive impact of your joint effort is clear. By working together, you have demonstrated the true power of interdisciplinary collaboration. The strategies you have implemented to improve insertion techniques, maintenance protocols, and overall education have been instrumental in driving down infection rates. This achievement not only reflects your professionalism but also your dedication to providing the highest standard of care. The partnership between your team and infection prevention has clearly made a significant difference in improving outcomes for our patients, and I am so proud of the work that you have done. Thanks for your unwavering commitment to reducing risks and enhancing patient safety. Your efforts are deeply appreciated and do not go unnoticed.