Claire De Setto, RN

Mercy Hospital and the Sisters of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus are proud to honor Claire De Setto as the recipient of the Sister Mary Nadine Casey Award. In July 1971, Claire began her journey at Mercy Hospital as a new graduate in the Intensive Care Unit. During this time, she married her husband, Roy, and they welcomed three beautiful children—Michael, Denise, and Michelle—all born at Mercy Hospital. Over these meaningful years, Claire had the privilege of working alongside the wonderful sisters of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus. She fondly remembers her dear friends, Sr. Mary Dennis and Sr. Marie Buckley, who have since passed.

 

After 13 years in the ICU, Claire sought a new challenge and transitioned to the

Emergency Department, which became her passion for the next 28 years. Ready for another adventure, she moved to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where she quickly became Nurse Manager of both the PACU and Endoscopy Units. Always eager to learn, Claire accepted the position of Director of Perioperative Services, once again mastering the complexities of the Operating Room. It was an amazing experience, made even better by the wonderful staff she worked with.

 

Never one to shy away from challenges, Claire was asked to temporarily take on the role of Director of the Emergency Department, in addition to her responsibilities in Perioperative Services. Claire and her team worked tirelessly, resulting in a successful Joint Commission survey. Soon after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and her Perioperative staff was deployed throughout the hospital, caring for patients in need. The Emergency Department at Mercy was the first in Nassau County to care for COVID patients. With constantly changing guidelines, Claire led her team through this difficult period, and the entire Mercy family endured challenges that no healthcare professionals should have to face—but they persevered. What was supposed to be a three-month temporary position turned into three years. Eventually, a new Director and Nurse Manager were hired for the Emergency Department, and Claire believes that hiring Denise, her daughter, as the Nurse Manager was one of the best decisions Mercy ever

made.

 

In 2010, Claire founded the American Heart Association Training Center at Mercy Hospital, where she taught Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Life Support, and Basic Life Support to the staff. This past May, Claire received the prestigious Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions. She also earned the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association Award for her outstanding assistance during an incident on Southern State Parkway, where she performed CPR on a police officer who was tragically struck by a car. Despite her efforts, the officer, who was the godson of the Nurse Manager of Mercy’s Emergency Department, did not survive.

 

Claire also received the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Award for preventing a violent altercation when she intervened in a street fight, stopping a man from delivering a potentially deadly blow with a crowbar.

 

Claire continues to volunteer with Teddy Bear clinics, flu clinics, and the annual BBQ for the sisters, always offering her support to Mercy Hospital in any way she can. After 53 years as a nurse, she is truly blessed to still have a deep love for her work and for being part of the Mercy Hospital family. Claire is honored to be the recipient of the Sister Mary Nadine Casey award.