2020 Salute to Nurses: Hospitals A-C

Aberdeen Home Care

Joanne MacInnis, Aberdeen Home Care

Joanne exemplifies what it means to be a registered nurse demonstrating patient-centered care at the highest level. Her background in settings including hospital, visiting nurse, and hospice led her to step out and bravely start her own home-care agency with the mantra “We can do better for our patients.”

That was 20 years ago. Since then, Joanne has grown a home-care agency focused on providing superior care for her patients. Her philosophy of building relationships with her patients, their families, the medical community, and the caregivers she mentors has been a model for success for all touched by her supportive, intelligent, and caring outreach. As president of Aberdeen Home Care, and being an RN, Joanne never loses her patient focus. She mentors and models excellence in patient care, fostering education, compassion, and excellence in all her interactions. She is not assigned to any particular patients, but instead is a trusted advisor for all patients with her team of caregivers, nurses, patients, families, physicians, and other visiting nurse and hospice agencies she teams up. Joanne shares her knowledge and experience with public speaking engagements in the community and at the request of professional organizations, in addition to writing a weekly seniors article for a local paper, writing informational blogs, and having a Sunday morning radio show with helpful information for seniors and their families. Joanne does not punch a clock and is always “on duty” to serve others. She is the ultimate caregiver.—Nominated by Mary Battistelli

Joanne MacInnis, Aberdeen Home Care

Joanne MacInnis, president of Aberdeen Home Care, advocates for all her clients. She has gone to medical appointments at all hours of the day. She rearranges her schedule if a client needs her in an emergency. She is compassionate and caring with all clients and her staff. She is generous with her time. Joanne acknowledges staff for their accomplishments throughout the year.—Nominated by Nicole Geddes

Joanne MacInnis, Aberdeen Home Care

Joanne MacInnis started Aberdeen Home Care some 20 years ago, when she saw a need for better-quality, compassionate, and professional care among day-to-day caregivers working in people’s homes. Each day, she inspires the clinical and non-clinical team that she employs. Mission-driven to protect and serve the elder community, she delivers a weekly radio program on North Shore 104.9FM called, “Caring Voice,” during which she shares practical advice for the care of elders. Joanne makes her staff and those around her feel appreciated and she leads by example. She is an exemplary example for the nursing profession.—Nominated by Scott Muir

Advanced Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

Nicole Cole, Advanced Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation

She has a heart of gold. She works hard and never complains. And she always pitches in to make the stay comfortable. Nicole wants everyone to have a complete recovery. She will clean up a spill, empty a urinatomy bag, or place a mug in the microwave. There are 39 patients on our wing, and Nicole makes time for each of us. I call her the John Woden or Red Auerbach of nursing. She reminds me of both coaches because she always gives 100 percent and never gives up.—Nominated by John Bodnar

All American Assisted Living at Raynham

Ericka Horan, All American Assisted Living

Ericka’s knowledge and skill promotes a confidence in her patients. It is how she approaches her duties that makes her standout. Dealing with an elderly demographic can be challenging, and Ericka does it with joy and enthusiasm.—Nominated by William Thomas

Allerton House at Central Park

Nurses, Allerton House at Central Park, Weymouth

My nursing career has spanned over 50 years, during which I have had the opportunity and pleasure of working with and learning from innumerable exceptional nurses. I would like to recognize a few that I admire and work with in the twilight of my career.

These nurses have shown me true dedication and caring. They have demonstrated genuine resident-centered care, and have shown me what it means to be a caring and compassionate nurse. It’s not unusual for these nurses to stay and comfort an anxious resident, hold a dying resident’s hand, or reach out to family members with sincere empathy and concern. A kind word and a gentle touch describes what they do without any hesitation—that’s a quality that can’t be taught. The help they offer residents and families during very difficult times without hesitation and with kindness is immeasurable. They are respectful and compassionate and treat residents like family. They consistently provide not only physical care but emotional care, comfort, and support.

Joan Cunningham, Melanie Cosato, Jessica Canuto, Kristen Dehay, Jane Flynn and Claire Quilty are unsung heroes! I have been fortunate to work with them, learn from them, and be a recipient of their heartfelt care when my family members were residents. I admire their dedication and selflessness. When you see them, be sure to give them a great big Thank You. They deserve it and never will ask for it.—Nominated by Ellen Laramee

Alliance Health at Rosewood

Ashley Doherty, Alliance Health at Rosewood

Ten days ago, my wife of 59 years was given the last rites. The next day I received notice that, due to the risk of infection, I could no longer visit the nursing home. Ashley, a nurse helping to care for her, took the time after her shift ended to call me with a detailed update. She recognized that I needed this communication desperately. She provided a lifeline through her thoughtful outreach. In doing so, her caring extended beyond my wife to me, as I struggled with my uncertainty. Ashley embodies a wide range of clinical skills and experience, but most importantly, she truly cares. She is respected by her colleagues and is often the “go-to” person when a complex issue occurs. Her mission is to keep her patients pain-free and comfortable. When Ashley is on duty, calmness and efficiency prevail.—Nominated by John L. Gormley

Allied Health Systems LLC

Lisa Little Allied Health Systems

Lisa has always put herself before her patients. She has exceeded expectations for many others, but especially for me. When I was about to have a liver transplant, she was there; when I needed medications, she made sure the prescriptions got to the pharmacy. When I had no one to talk to, she made time for me. And when I wanted to give up, she let me know I could make it through, and God had another plan for me. I don’t have enough words to tell you how grateful I am for my nurse, Lisa Little. She’s more than just a nurse. She is a blessing.—Nominated by Timothy Mullen

Atrius Health

Michele Cavallaro, Internal Medicine, Harvard Vanguard Somerville, Atrius Health

Michele is one the best managers I have worked with in my 20 years of nursing. She is an advocate for her nursing staff so we can provide safe patient care. When faced with the Covid-19 crisis, she led our practice by quickly planning PPE retraining for all of our clinicians (nursing, physicians, medical assistants) and instituted regularly timed daily huddles (with call-in options to promote social distancing!) to update our practice on issues related to Covid-19 and provide opportunities for staff to ask questions. The Covid-19 outbreak and protocols are changing daily (sometimes several times daily). Michele’s calm, caring demeanor, clinical expertise, and crisis management experience are much needed right now. When our site was overwhelmed with Covid-19 testing, she was instrumental in setting up our drive-through Covid-19 testing within several days (staffing, supplies, logistics). We need more nurse leaders like Michele who truly care about their coworkers and our patients.—Nominated by Jessica Glenn

Aida Colon, Harvard Vanguard

She showed compassion and clinical competency during my visit in this time of crisis. She was knowledgeable about Covid-19. I appreciated her calmness. She demonstrated great patience.—Nominated by Christine Pham

Beverly Ketchen, Harvard Vanguard

Beverly Ketchen is an exemplary nurse practitioner who has cared for patients at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Medford for about 30 years. Her compassion and expertise as a primary care provider are legendary. She cares for some of the sickest patients and does so with the highest level of competence, grace, and caring. Beverly is an unsung hero among nurses, and she should be recognized for this prestigious award.—Nominated by Joyce Pulcini

Catherine Phillips, Atrius Health

Catherine is my wife. She has been a pediatric nurse for over 30 years, including working as a pediatric hospice nurse. I have watched her go out in the middle of the night to be there for a dying child and to comfort the family, often years after that child has passed. More recently, I’ve listened to her give advice and reassurance to worried parents in her new role as a triage nurse from home. She is always thoughtful, kind, and professional. She’s always ready to fill in when there is a shortage of nurses, and to lend her knowledge and kindness. Never afraid to advocate for her patients, Catherine’s the best nurse I’ve ever known.—Nominated by Arthur Steinberg

Belmont Medical Associates

Carolyn Hickok, Belmont Medical Associates

No single nurse does more for my mother than Carolyn Hickok. She cares for my mother as she would her own mother. She calls my 88-year-old mother weekly, stopping by once a week (on her own time) to spend quality one-on-one time with her. Carolyn is a very concerned and caring nurse, and a nurse’s friend and caregiver. I can’t thank Carolyn enough for all the time she spends caring for my mother, and all on her own time. She corresponds with me as well to keep me posted on what is going on. Carolyn brings personal nurse’s care to a whole new level. She exceeds the call of duty and deserves a salute.—Nominated by Ernest Berardinelli

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Donna Bortolotti, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Donna is caring and extremely smart. She recently cared for her dying friend and her very sick husband, who has a compromised lung sickness. She is constantly asking questions, pushing the doctors for answers and more tests, all while working full time at the hospital. She barely had time to sleep, running to their facilities to make sure they were being cared for. She has been an outstanding nurse for 40 years, especially to her bedridden mom for 30 years. Always answering her family’s aches and pains, referring us to the best doctors and treatments, giving all her patients the very best of care.—Nominated by Sue Bortolotti

Michelle Bridges, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Michelle had the choice—as did all the nurses in the ICU—whether to treat Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the Boston Marathon bomber. She courageously chose to keep her oath and treat him, despite knowing his abhorrent act.—Nominated by Danny Fitzgibbon

Lynn Collins, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

I witnessed how her nurturing spirit turned this patient from true despair to having hope.—Nominated by Joseph Keegan

Ross Cowell, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

This was my first experience as a patient in a hospital since age 9 (tonsils removed) and I was being helped to overcome aplastic anemia. One of my nurses for this period was Ross Crowell in the Bone Marrow Transplant floor. Ross was very caring all the time, made sure that I did not fall at any time, and took care of all the needs I had. He was very competent and friendly. We had many conversations in the long time I was there and he made me feel like he was “family.” I thought that he was the most qualified of all the nurses that helped me. I had retired from my job as facilities manager for Mount Auburn Hospital and Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford for 21 years.—Nominated by David Hathaway

Madelyn Capano Curry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Prostate cancer is a scourge. But Madelyn Capano Curry and the other nurses at BIDMC’s CyberKnife Center—Elsy Jaison and Jessica Okrent—helped to turn the “scourge” into “courage.” CyberKnife is an intense five-day dose of radiation, and BIDMC is the only hospital in Massachusetts with a workable unit (a linear accelerator). Despite my doctors’ assurances, I was afraid. Would the treatment hurt me? Would the cancer shorten my life? The nurses assuaged all those fears. Cheerful welcomes. Active listening. Efficient procedures. Both in tone and in care, the nurses calmed me throughout my treatment. Even when I passed out on the first day, they sprang into action to revive me. I am now “on the other side” of cancer (in remission, almost cured). And the extraordinary care of the nurses at BIDMC’s CyberKnife Unit eased my journey. As my cousins in Italy say, “grazie mille”—“a thousand thanks.”—Nominated by Dale DeLetis

Savina Davos, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Needham

I began chemotherapy treatment for stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma last August. Because she lives directly across the street, Savina has spoken with me and/or my wife 25 or 30 times regarding my condition, several times bringing quarts of chicken soup and fresh pita bread. Once, in January, my blood pressure dropped significantly. Savina came right over (bringing chicken soup, pita bread, and several sports drinks with electrolytes), took my blood pressure, and made recommendations that had me feeling much better in a few days. In December, she twice cleared our driveway with her snowblower; another time, she helped my wife shovel when there were just a few inches. She also helped my wife rake our leaves.

Savina is currently working 14-hour shifts in administration and the ICU. Several years ago, my mother-in-law became very ill. Savina came right over and recommended that we immediately call an ambulance. My mother-in-law had surgery that night for a blocked intestine. Savina’s advice no doubt saved her life.—Nominated by William Risio

Feldberg 7 Nurses, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Eleven months ago, I lost the love of my life to complications from MDS/AML [Myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia]. If you have met the nurses of Hematology/Oncology—Rich, Ross, Elissa, Adria, Lauren, or any of the other compassionate angels of this rare place, you would know what I know, and love them as much. Rich, a.k.a. MacGyver, and his “twin” Ross, gentle and wise, brought joy to my husband Charlie’s days and nights with their balance between ordinary life talk and skilled nursing. Adria was our first nurse (I say “our” because when Charlie stayed, I stayed, and I was welcomed like a member of the nursing family). Lauren entertained us with cat stories and forbade me sleep on the floor when no cots were available. Elissa, who gently helped us cross the threshold to the next life, had been with us from Charlie’s early treatment in 2017. The entire team on Feldberg 7 guided Charlie’s last days with the most love I have ever seen. Rich represented those heroes at Charlie’s funeral; Dr. Matt Weinstock—his tribute will go on always—offered words of remembrance. How can I thank them? What words exist? Now, they face the greatest of challenges and I am certain that they carry on exactly as they always do—like the champion angels they are.—Nominated by Claudia Brown

Courtney Fitzgerald, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

She balanced a number of patients with equal care and concern.—Nominated by Gina Dwyer

Mary Ellen Gunning, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

I have an extremely difficult medical situation and Mary Ellen has always provided me with outstanding care and support. During my hospitalizations she has been instrumental in guiding me through a very complex ostomy situation. Her positive “can do” attitude and creative thinking have helped me adjust to many complex ostomy situations.—Nominated by Karl Riemer

Elizabeth Hammerstrand, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Cancer Care Center, Needham

Beth is a nurse practitioner at BIDMC Cancer Care Center in Needham. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, and my husband was diagnosed with esophageal and then colon cancer in 2019. She has been there for both of us throughout our treatment cycles and follow-up. She remembers everything about our lives and is deeply committed to all her patients. She has advocated for us with other health-care providers and we can always count on her answering our questions in person, on the phone, or via email. She has never steered us wrong and we trust in her 100 percent. We know that she is also recognized as a great medical professional by other providers.—Nominated by Marcia Hicks

Wendy Korotzer, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Wendy cared for my late wife, the mother of three daughters, during the last 24 hours of her life. None of us expected my wife to pass so soon. Wendy was there embracing my wife and us both before and after my wife passed. Wendy is inspirational to no end and has one of the toughest jobs. We will never forget how Wendy made us feel. Especially how much my wife connected with her … little did any of us know that it would be for such a short time.—Nominated by Shlomie Heller

Lucie Lima, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

There are just too many encounters and examples to list. Lucie is the smartest and most no-nonsense nurse I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She has been teaching undergraduate nursing students for 20 years. She has a reputation for being a really hard and demanding teacher, and that’s a good thing. Students realize early on that they are expected to work hard and learn as much as they can. They complete clinicals knowing how to think critically. Then there are the hundreds of medical residents Lucie has taught and guided in the trauma ICU, where she has saved numerous lives because she absolutely knows what she is doing in the world of both trauma and critical care.

One of most memorable moments was a young patient with a Miami J collar [a cervical neck brace] that was causing him a great deal of pain and breaking down the skin on his chin. Luci recognized this right away and called me, as I was a wound consultant at the time. I concurred that the collar had to go. The doctors said no, as the collar was protecting his cervical spine from increased damage. Luci pushed to have an external fixator [a stabilizing frame with pins or screws] placed. This seemed archaic to many of the young doctors. When the patient was finally released from the painful collar, he could not stop thanking us. I told him it was all Luci, because she knew exactly what needed to be done.

Nurses like Luci are unsung heroes and extremely rare. I have been a nurse in Boston for 30 years and have had the absolute pleasure to work with many of them. I am nominating Luci because she is the best of those best. As teacher to so many young students and doctors and amazing patient advocate, she deserves this recognition.—Nominated by Maureen Lira

Katherine Lyman, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

She told me the truth about my condition, explained its physiology, prescribed the effective drug which has the fewest side effects, and truly connected to my emotional state.—Nominated by Paul Bernstein

Gail Metcalf, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Gail works with lots of patients with dementia in assisted living and private homes. She is on the front line right now with the Covid-19 outbreak. She has great knowledge alongside compassion.—Nominated by Sue Auclair

Maureen O’Shea, Curry College, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Maureen O’Shea is a professor of mine at Curry College. She is also my advisor. She teaches a class called Older Adults. In this class, we go to assisted-living facilities and learn about growing old. Maureen works as a palliative care nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and is one of the best people and nurses that I know.—Nominated by Kaylee Doherty

Kym Peterson, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

I know that Kim has dedicated over 20 years of her professional life to nursing. She is the most compassionate health provider I’ve ever come across. Her knowledge seems to be greater than the doctors that serve alongside her. Her compassion is second to none, and her dedication to her craft is obvious.—Nominated by Bradford Mason

Sarah Pettito, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

I broke my hip and was taken to BID pre-op for surgery. I was petrified—totally alone in a dark and cold and foreign land. Then Sarah greeted me in such a way that made my fears dissipate. Sarah went beyond her duties to make sure I had a treasured belonging when I awoke. I will never forget her kindness and generosity of spirit.—Nominated by Nan Donovan

Heather Pleskow, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Heather shows her dedication every single day. She advocates for ICU beds when patients are very ill. She holds the hand of family members when they are making difficult decisions about their loved one. She cares deeply to give every patient excellent medical care in a compassionate, caring manner. She loves her job, and that shows in how she cares for her patients.—Nominated by Randi Pleskow

Victoria Scinto, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

She is so kind. Her patients are so lucky to have her. She knows the ins and outs of being an operating room nurse and knows how to communicate to both staff and patients so well. Anyone who knows her knows how amazing a nurse she is.—Nominated by Jen Salvucci

Taylor Tabb, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

With interests and experience caring for individuals with disabilities and psychiatric diseases, Taylor Tabb is a nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. With a background in psychology and more than 800 hours volunteering her services to Samaritans and other human service agencies, Taylor made her way to BIDMC, where she uses her clinical training to care for acutely ill patients in the hospital setting. As a former nursing assistant, and with her experience in geriatric psychiatric care, she understands the nursing process and is able to care and advocate for her patients across the health care setting. Her commitment to nursing and health care is demonstrated by work as a staff nurse, continued pursuit of further nursing education, participation in patient advocacy, and nurse development as part of the Beth Israel Nurse Residency Program. Taylor is selfless, committed, compassionate, and prioritizes care of all patients while navigating the pace and complexity of the acute care setting. For this, Taylor should be saluted.—Nominated by Vadra Tabb

Beth Israel Lahey Health

Jamie DaSilva and Jamie Diclemente, Beth Israel Lahey Health, Burlington

“The Jamies” are my colleagues, nurse practitioners on the Lahey Electrophysiology Service. I have been an NP for over 20 years, and their team approach, expertise, and work ethic are unparalleled. Their thoughtful, comprehensive, and compassionate approach to a complex patient population is their standard of care. They’re tireless at work as NPs in cardiology, and at home as mothers of young children. They deserve to be lauded for their superwomen efforts.—Nominated by Jennifer Connors

Beverly Hospital

Sandra Brown, Oncology Department, Beverly Hospital

Sandra Brown has helped me through continuing steps in treating my metastatic prostate cancer. She has interacted numerous times with the pharmacy that issues my medication to assure them that I am eligible and to renew the prescription. In addition, she has a dedicated phone line that tells her that it’s me calling. Finally, she is always upbeat about my treatment for a serious (and possibly fatal) disease. Of the very many nurses I have interacted with, she is the most competent and compassionate.—Nominated by David Lustgarten

Cindy Jette, Beverly Hospital

In the midst of Covid-19 crisis, my 88-year-old father-in-law was admitted to Beverly Hospital with some gastrointestinal distress. He had a procedure in the morning and seemed fine. At 5:30 p.m., he suddenly went into congestive heart failure. He was struggling to breathe and fading from consciousness. Cindy lovingly cared for him, made arrangements for his children to come be with him, and tended to all of us through the night. She mopped Bob’s forehead, talked to him gently while he gasped for air, and included all of us in the decision to give him morphine and anti-anxiety medication to soothe his discomfort. She brought the family cookies, tea, and coffee and was professional and humane, medically astute and compassionate. She was everything one could hope for while sitting at the bedside of a dying parent. She didn’t tell us he would be OK; instead, she told us how much he had talked about us and how much she had enjoyed talking with him. She provided medical, emotional, and physical support to her patient and his family.—Nominated by Laila Goodman

Terasa Giovannucci, Beverly Hospital

As our sole clinical educator for the past 10 years, Terasa has transformed this department, its staff, and its patient-care outcomes. Terasa has elevated the practice, care delivery, and confidence of so many of our staff. Terasa tirelessly commits herself to elevating our practice to reflect evidence-based standards, and continues to do this every day with her championing of AWHONN [Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses] protocols, guidelines, and recommendations. She motivates us to a level of excellence that is unparalleled.

During Teresa’s tenure as our clinical educator, she has singlehandedly created and sustained our department’s unique training EXPO (which stands for EXcellent Patient Outcomes). These EXPOs, held each year with near-100 percent attendance, accounts for all RN, OB, Neonatology and Anesthesia staff within our service line. Each year, Terasa’s EXPOs—one for the Special Care Nursery staff and another for OB/L&D staff—consist of real, current clinical situations that are carried out, critiqued and reviewed in our simulation lab. Feedback comments have included “WOW, that was intense!” and “I was truly moved by that presentation (SUD [Substance Use Disorder]).” Terasa’s EXPO “stations” vary each year, depending on AWHONN’s current patient co-morbidity—Care of the Mother with Substance Use Disorder, Trauma Informed Care, Hypertension, Management of the Late Preterm Infant, or, most recently, the Baby Friendly designation journey we are currently on. Terasa has been steadfast in her support of our department from one evidence-based initiative to another. She is a mother, a wife, a nurse, a friend, and we would not be where we are today, or where we are going tomorrow, without her.—Nominated by Susan Caffrey

Kristine Saputo, Beverly Hospital

Kristine is an obstetrics (OB) nurse in charge on the night shift. Recently she was involved in an emergency as a patient was being brought to our emergency department (ED) via ambulance. Kristine took a call from the patient’s family member, who was worried about the patient and what she should do. Kristine calmly and professionally directed the family member to get the patient to the emergency room. While waiting for the patient to arrive, Kristine notified the OB provider, who was able to be in the ED before the patient arrived. Once in the ED, the patient was assessed and taken to the Main Operating Room (OR). Kristine then offered her expertise to the Main OR nurse, who gladly and appreciatively accepted her help.

Kristine’s clinical competency allowed her to function calmly in a different environment. She used her critical thinking skills to manage the many orders being asked of her by each discipline. She advocated for the patient to be sure she was sent to the ED initially. She demonstrated compassion by talking calmly with the patient’s family member initially, as well as her communication with the patient and family after her discharge. I believe her clinical competency and years of expertise allowed her to function in an optimal way to achieve a compassionate and trusting relationship with this patient and her family. Additionally, her communication among the team members was praised. It’s nurses like Kristine who make a crisis run smoothly so that all team members can function at their best.—Nominated by Susan Caffrey

Rachel Riley, Lahey Outpatient Center, Beverly Hospital

Rachel works in the Endocrinology unit and has kept me alive. My pancreas was destroyed by microscopic gallstones. Rachel has demonstrated an amazing understanding of my worsening Type 2 diabetes, and has been so concerned with my health that I will not be seeing anyone else. That’s how confident I am in her treatment plan. If Rachel got transferred to Wichita, I’d be moving to Wichita, too. She’s the greatest.—Nominated by Frank C. Herschede

Boston Behavioral Medicine

Kim Larrson, Boston Behavioral Medicine

Excellent assistance!—Nominated by B. White

Boston Children’s Hospital

Caitlin Fournier, Boston Children’s Hospital

Caitlin is about to go to a pediatric hospital [to care for patients] during the Covid-19 crisis. Enough said.—Nominated by Michael Fournier

Leah Frain, Boston Children’s Hospital

My daughter was very sick in intensive care, and we live out of state. I called Leah at the end of the day, hoping she could help us with some questions. She answered right away, and kept in contact by email well into the evening to make sure our daughter was doing better with the treatment changes she helped with. Leah always responds to our questions and concerns quickly and has the very best interest of our daughter in mind. She is truly a one of a kind, and we are very grateful for her. Thank you, Leah—your compassion and excellence in nursing has made such an amazing difference in my daughter’s life.—Nominated by Brittany Buchwalter

Chris Gangi, Boston Children’s Hospital

Chris is incredibly devoted to her patients and shows excellent clinical competency within our field of pediatric gastroenterology. I know I can count on her to advise our patients on tube care, skin care, complex medication administration, and a thousand other topics that I don’t have the time (and often, the expertise) to help my patients and families with. She follows up with our patients. She proposes complex durable medical equipment orders to me so that the companies and patients get the exact supplies they need. She goes all-out for us and for the kids.—Nominated by Yanjia Zhang

Tricia Grandinetti, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Boston Children’s Hospital

Tricia was the first NICU nurse we met when our 26-week-old, 2-pound preemie, Jamie, came out of emergency surgery. From the onset she was incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate. Through an arduous journey with many complications, she was there by our side to listen, care for Jamie, and advocate for us when we felt like we needed a second opinion or point of view. She always greeted us with a warm smile, but more importantly, she always struck the perfect balance of calm, kindness, and care while delivering good and bad news. Over our almost six-month journey, we felt like Tricia became a friend. She was always so kind to our daughter Havana, who was 2 then, every time she visited. She’d take time out of her incredibly busy schedule to recommend books and to draw pictures with Havana just so we could have a few extra minutes to hold Jamie. For Havana’s 3rd birthday, the team of nurses taking care of Jamie pulled together a birthday present for Havana on behalf of Jamie. While we weren’t sharing many details while we were going through our journey, these are the acts of grace and kindness that really helped Havana create such a strong bond with Jamie. Tricia and the nurses in 7 North are the angels that watch over all those little babies in need. As time passes and Jamie begins to wander around the house, I think back often to all the hard work that went into getting him on track as a current-day happy, thriving infant. We will forever be indebted to Tricia and the wonderful team at Children’s.—Nominated by Ivan Hyep

Corey McManus, Boston Children’s Hospital

I had planned to submit this salute to my niece, Corey McManus, a year ago for her clinical competence as a nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital and the Global Smile Foundation. Global Smile is an international organization of medical professionals dedicated to bringing first-class medical care to patients born with cleft lips and palates in underserved communities throughout the world. Corey has been committed to her professional nursing role with GSF for several years. She also works tirelessly to recruit nurses and organizes fundraisers in the states to support the GSF mission.

One year ago, our family experienced life-threatening illnesses and loss within the first six weeks of the year, so I missed the opportunity to submit my salute to Corey. This year, I salute Corey as a nurse of a different measure and perspective.

In January 2019, Corey’s uncle was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Three weeks later, his son-in-law Charlie, age 33—father of three children under the age of 5, a highly respected Waltham police officer, and Corey’s close friend—was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor (diffuse midline glioma). Two weeks later, our beloved nephew Brett, free from addiction for three years at age 25, died of an overdose. Our family was grief-stricken and in great need of professional nursing support and guidance. As the months unfolded, Corey became our family nurse consultant/educator and offered her professional expertise to work with Charlie’s wife, Jackie (also a registered nurse), to care for Charlie at home. Together, they cared for him with great love and dignity for 10 long months, which allowed him to die at home with his wife and children by his side.

Throughout this challenging time, Corey kept the family informed, compassionately extending her love and support to family members of all ages. She continued her work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at BCH and somehow managed to continue her work with the Global Smile Foundation, too. I salute Corey for her many years of caring for some of the sickest children here in Boston and abroad (Lebanon, El Salvador, Beirut), as well as her most recent personal effort to lovingly support her own family and friend through the year that was.—Nominated by Jane Kenslea

Jaclyn Nickley, Boston Children’s Hospital

She is loving, caring, and engaged. She loves her patients as she loves her three daughters.—Nominated by Peter McDonald

Mary Ellen Pierce, Boston Children’s Hospital

Mary Ellen Pierce just completed her 50th year as a registered nurse at Boston Children’s Hospital. She has mentored countless people to become nurses or to advance their degrees. She was a member of a group who pioneered preoperative care for children, and she taught staff from other pediatric hospitals to improve their preoperative care. In her spare time, Mary Ellen knits hats for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit babies. Mary Ellen represents the very best of Massachusetts nurses.—Nominated by Sarah Kacprowicz

Nissanai Sonauta, Boston Children’s Hospital

Compassionate.—Nominated by Alan Leffler

Karol Timmons, Atopic Dermatitis Center, Boston Children’s Hospital

Karol is a wonderful nurse practitioner and the coordinator of our Atopic Dermatitis Center. She has a special gift for teaching and supporting families. I have met so many children that Karol has helped with severe atopic dermatitis. These children come to our clinic itchy, sleep-deprived, and often avoiding enjoyable activities due to their skin condition, and with Karol’s guidance they improve. There is nothing more special than seeing a family back in clinic with a happy, thriving, well-rested and non-itchy child.—Nominated by Wendy Elverson

Karol Timmons, Atopic Dermatitis Center, Boston Children’s Hospital

Karol Timmons is a pediatric nurse practitioner in our Atopic Dermatitis Center at Boston Children’s Hospital and the heart of our team. Karol is BEYOND dedicated to our patients with severe eczema. She gives every patient and family the time, education, and support they need to learn to manage a chronic medical condition. Her warmth and humor calm anxious children. Her down-to-earth willingness to problem-solve with families and develop a plan that works for them gives parents hope. It is common for our patients to greet her with a big hug, because she has quite literally changed their lives—children can sleep again, focus in school, and enjoy being kids. She is a valued speaker at national conferences, providing other health care providers across the country with tools for supporting children with atopic dermatitis and allergies.—Nominated by Jennifer LeBovidge

Karol Timmons, Atopic Dermatitis Center, Boston Children’s Hospital

Karol Timmons is an amazing pediatric nurse practitioner in our Atopic Dermatitis program. She helps children and families who have severe dermatitis. Many of these families have not slept in weeks, don’t know how to manage, and can’t figure out triggers and allergies. Karol takes the time to educate them and help them find regimens that will work for them. She is a fierce advocate for patients—talking to primary care doctors, school nurses and counselors, insurance companies, and anyone else she feels will help. Until recently, she was also the division nurse coordinator, a role she handled with grace and wisdom.—Nominated by Lynda Schneider

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

Lisa Fardy, Boston Health Care for the Homeless

Lisa Fardy is the consummate professional in her every action. As an Ivy League-educated person who holds a doctoral degree, she had (and has) the option to make lots of money. Instead, she decided to serve the medical needs of the most neglected of Americans—our chronically homeless. She teaches others to care. Not just by inspiring them to provide the best possible medical care, which she does. Not only by emulating compassion and integrity with her every action. She does that, too. Lisa has dedicated her life to enacting her values as a nurse and a compassionate leader, and I sincerely hope she will be recognized as the unsung heroine that she is.—Nominated by April Berry-Fletcher

Alison May, Boston Health Care for the Homeless

Alison was very patient with me. She took time to listen to my concerns and answered all my questions. She was professional and compassionate.—Nominated by Tina Vrahliotis

Misch Whitaker, Boston Health Care for the Homeless

Michelle “Misch” Whitaker is a nurse who takes her work to the front lines, where it’s needed the most. Working with the homeless and often coming face-to-face with the Commonwealth’s ever-worsening opioid crisis, she pours in her personal time and energy into her work, and is my standing example of what altruism really looks like.

I was once her my roommate in Cambridge, and I’m reminded of the time I came back to visit her and catch up after I had left for grad school. While in my car, she asked if we could make a stop along the way so that she could visit a former patient of hers who lived nearby. This woman literally had nothing (I mean this very literally—her apartment was bare-bones empty after being stripped clean by an abusive ex-boyfriend), so Misch was going to drop off some procured silverware for her. In my three years of knowing Misch, it was this that impressed me the most, because it spoke volumes about how personally she took what she did.

In addition to Misch’s daytime profession, she is almost equally defined by her moonlight career in improvisational theater, and it’s one at which she’s quite successful. You can routinely find her performing on weekends at Laugh Boston in the Seaport. She’s someone who can go from constantly dealing with the bleaker realities facing our communities to being able to create a happy atmosphere of fun and entertainment, and that is simply not to be taken for granted. That said, don’t be fooled by the small stature of Misch Whitaker should you ever meet her, as she is truly one of the giants of the city.—Nominated by Jack McNamara

Boston Home Infusion Medical Services

Leah Paquette, Boston Home Infusion

Leah is very good at her job.—Nominated by Jerry Seeco

Boston IVF

Lisa Butters, Boston IVF

Lisa Butters is the best nurse I have ever met. I’ve been corresponding with her weekly since early 2019. Lisa demonstrates compassion, is clinically competent, an excellent communicator, exhibits trust in care, and serves daily as an advocate for the patient—in this case, myself. Lisa is extremely loyal, diligent, and understanding. She has a genuine interest in helping patients succeed. She is extremely resourceful and provides specific information in a timely manner over the phone, in voicemail, and through email. She corresponds meticulously and is very detailed with her health-related instructions. She always answers the phone. If you get voicemail, she will call you back promptly. She comes out to meet with you—even if you’re there to see another specialist or doctor—because she loves her job and, most importantly, she loves her patients. Her knowledge in the medical realm, specifically in IVF, is extremely deep. The true sign of a great nurse is that she makes you feel like you’re the only patient in the world—a challenge in an industry where nurses have a significant workload and lots of patients. She NEVER makes you feel like you are bothering her, even when you’re asking a lot of questions (which usually come with a patient seeking fertility treatments). It’s my great pleasure to recommend Lisa for the Salute to Nurses—and for sainthood.—Nominated by Rita Lancellotta

Boston MedFlight

Emilie Ryan, Boston MedFlight

This is my 20th year as a critical-care paramedic at Boston MedFlight. While we provide the highest quality of care available, sometimes our most important role is to just hold the hand of a patient or a loved one. After our shifts we go home and hug our loved ones and pray that they will never require our services.

While vacationing recently, my wife and I got the wonderful news that our niece and nephew had welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. The next day, our phones began to light up for us to call home—there was an emergency involving my new niece. She’d had a catastrophic event in her hospital room and the team was working frantically to save her life. The situation was grave. She needed to be transported to a Boston hospital. My worst fears had come true; a family member was in need of Boston MedFlight services and we were thousands of miles away and completely helpless.

Our team arrived and assessed the situation. Working with the hospital staff, the critical care nurse and paramedic offered treatment options and stabilized her. I received a text from our chief medical officer that read “we got this.” A new team took over upon arriving in Boston. We got on a plane and came home. After several weeks, my niece was discharged. She has a fight ahead, but is expected to make a full recovery. Experts are calling her story nothing short of miraculous. I cannot express in words how grateful I am for the lifesaving care provided to my niece by the Boston MedFlight team. I would like to nominate our entire nursing team for being the best of the best. I am honored to call them peers, friends, and family.—Nominated by Mark Saia

Boston Medical Center

Justin Alves, Boston Medical Center

I am living with several potentially fatal maladies, including HIV/AIDS, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, coronary artery disease, and more. In all of my years of going in and out of hospitals and clinics, Justin is by far the hardest-working, most reliable, and most compassionate RN I have ever met. He is comforting when needed and tough as nails when the time is right. I could always count on him to reply quickly and answer thoroughly and accurately. His sense of humor makes the tough pill of being ill much easier to swallow. I cannot think of anyone more deserving.—Nominated by Larry Day

Katlyn Campbell, Boston Medical Center

Katlyn Campbell is a new mother and a nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. She was recently caring for a patient who was considered a high-risk pregnancy and spent some time in the ICU before delivering. The patient had limited social support and was incredibly scared and nervous about her upcoming delivery, making her slightly withdrawn and depressed. Katlyn took it upon herself to buy the patient several pink outfits for her soon-to-be daughter, balloons, a card, and a hand-knit baby blanket. Katlyn did all of this in her free time in order to throw the patient a small baby shower to boost her spirit and decrease her anxiety. Most importantly, Katlyn did all of this selflessly. Katlyn just wanted to boost the patient’s spirits and calm her nerves, and she was able to connect as a recent mother herself. The patient was overwhelmed with gratitude and had a successful delivery. Acts like this are quite common for Katlyn, as she thinks outside the box to improve a patient’s stay and help them through difficult times. She exemplifies what it means to be a nurse, as she cares for the patient as a whole, not just as a list of medical problems.—Nominated by Robert Elloyan

Ann Carey, Boston Medical Center

Ann Carey is an exceptional nurse who practices the art of nursing through her extraordinary leadership skills as the nurse manager of 6W at Boston Medical Center. Ann is compassionate and honest and provides leadership that promotes this value through the hearts of her nurses on the unit. The care given on 6W is a true reflection of Ann’s vision for exceptional care. She leads with grace and determination and, through her example, promotes her nurses to embrace their profession and provide the best, most evidence-based practice standards to ensure safe and optimal care. Ann is a profound leader with a heart that embodies the definition of nursing.—Nominated by Kate Baudin

Ryann Carr, Boston Medical Center

I’ve had the pleasure of having Ryann as my nurse at the infusion/chemotherapy center at BMC for the past year and a half, and I see her every three weeks. Ryann takes time out of her busy day not just to provide excellent care, but to get to know me as a person, not just a patient. She has stayed with me just to talk, and she has followed up with messages I have sent to my pulmonologist to see if there’s anything she can do. Ryann doesn’t have to do any of that. She is such a light in a stressful place. When I first started going there, I was not looking forward to it. It’s been a blessing seeing her 99 percent of the time. When she’s not there, the care is not at the same level. She even gave me her cell number once so that I could text her to get the infusion ready when I was 30 minutes away, because she knew that I had to attend a school graduation an hour from my home. Not all nurses would ever do that. Nursing is not easy and not for everyone, but Ryann is a natural to do this job.—Nominated by Jamir Patton

Patty Donovan, Boston Medical Center

Patty has been my colleague and friend for years at BMC. She is one of the smartest, most caring, best organized nurses I have encountered in my own 35 years here. I can count on Patty for backup in any situation. As the frequent charge nurse, she is an excellent communicator and fair in her decision-making. I am amazed some days by what she is able to accomplish for her own patients, as well as the entire unit.—Nominated by Lauren Keaney

Melissa Dunn, Boston Medical Center

Melissa is beyond excellent nurse. Words can’t describe how good she is.—Nominated by Edwige Janvier

Dena Dwyer, Boston Medical Center

I was a 15-year-old heading for trouble. I ended up in the emergency room for EtOH (alcohol) abuse, and Dena influenced me with her stern warning. I didn’t drink again until I was 28. I never knew that we would become co-workers someday. I always told her she saved my life.—Nominated by Cheree Smith

Timothy Failla, Boston Medical Center

Tim displays the hospital’s vision every day: he gives his all for every single patient, no matter what. He is the example of BMC’s mission statement, “exceptional care without exception.”—Nominated by Tiffany James

Timothy Failla, Boston Medical Center

Timothy has a calm demeanor when de-escalating patients.—Nominated by Chris OBrien

Jennifer Francis, Boston Medical Center

Jennifer Francis is our amazing nurse case manager on 6West. At Boston Medical Center, many of our patients experience complex social situations. Those situations are then complicated by chronic disease and hospitalization when we meet them. Discharge planning starts for all patients upon admission, and Jennifer is our magician. She navigates each patient’s insurance (or lack of insurance) along with their social situation to guarantee the best discharge plan. She has the expertise to navigate the enigmatic insurance system and knows what resources to tap into for patient placement or home-care assistance. While waving her magic wand, Jennifer creates relationships with patients and families, doing everything she can to honor their wishes for discharge while always considering their safety.

And she is fierce. I have seen her fight and advocate for our most at-risk patients. She works hard to help teams of doctors understand a patient’s situation and what actions and care settings are in their best interest. She supports the nursing staff. She recently helped us advocate for a patient who needed hospice care. She helped us research options and we were able to get the best care for the patient. Jenn is strong and dedicated. She is a gift to our patients and to all who work with her.—Nominated by Colleen Webb

Austin Galli, Boston Medical Center

Austin Galli worked incredibly hard as a traveling nurse in multiple states before making Massachusetts her home. She has advanced skills training and uses her expertise to make sure her patients get the best care possible. Massachusetts became an even better place for medical treatment because of Austin.—Nominated by Kayla Avery

John Graham, Emergency Room, Boston Medical Center

John has been an RN at the Emergency Room for over 25 years and continues to love that his calling in life is to assist those in times of tremendous, often life-or-death, circumstances.—Nominated by Arthur Graham

Jeanine Midy, Boston Medical Center

Jeanine is an excellent nurse who takes the time to build rapport with her patients. She treats everyone with respect.—Nominated by Ghislaine Semexant

Claire Miller, Boston Medical Center

I have had the pleasure of being Claire’s clinical nursing educator for the past 14 years on the Mother Baby Unit at Boston Medical Center. Claire is an outstanding professional nurse who provides comprehensive care to high-risk mother and newborn couplets every day. We have collaborated on many complex mother and newborn clinical cases, and her approach and critical thinking skills are superb. Claire is an outstanding charge nurse on the Mother Baby Unit and provides a logical, practical approach to decision-making. She is eager to support her nursing peers and new nurses, and she actively participates in many educational endeavors to enhance professional nursing practice. Most recently, she helped develop a safety bundle for severe hypertension during pregnancy and postpartum, and she has implemented simulation training on her unit to increase teamwork and collaboration during an emergency, which has proven to be highly successful. Claire is well-respected among her peers and is a highly valued member of our nursing team.—Nominated by Lynne Lambert

Lisa Mitchell, Patient Advocacy, Boston Medical Center

Lisa works overnight in Patient Advocacy, teaching new parents how to integrate a neonate into their lives. Last year, she and the staff helped an immigrant mother prepare to bring her newborn triplets home. They’re doing great!—Nominated by Melissa Mitchell

Ellen Munger, Boston Medical Center

Every day, Ellen comes into work with a positive attitude. The way she interacts with her patients is so heavenly and comforting. If anyone needs help, Ellen is there without hesitation.—Nominated by Olivia Richardson

Agnes Naiwanga, Boston Medical Center

“Aggie” was so gentle and kind with my father-in-law, who was very ill and has dementia. She did everything for his care and safety. She was just outside his room to help redirect him each time he tried to get out of bed. She was patient and kind while managing his medical needs. She made his family feel at ease, as well communicating consistently. Such an amazing nurse!—Nominated by Chrissy Young

Andrea Nicholson, Boston Medical Center

Andrea Nicholson started at BMC in 1985 as a messenger in the transport department. She went to school for phlebotomy, worked full time, and attended Roxbury Community College. Andrea became a registered nurse. She continued her education and received a master’s degree in nursing, and is now a nurse manager. All the while, as a single mother working full time and attending college, Andrea has been a compassionate nurse and wonderful colleague. I have witnessed the care and concern she affords her patients, and now the teaching and respect she gives her staff. It has been amazing to watch her as she climbs the ladder of success in health care. Andrea Nicholson a nurse who has always gone all-out, not just at work but in her personal endeavors. She’s a true asset to the nursing community at BMC and in Boston.—Nominated by Chrissy Young

Megan O’Brien, Boston Medical Center

Megan’s been my friend for years. Last marathon Monday, while a friend running the marathon from out-of-town ended up at BMC, she helped answer all my questions while she was on vacation. She even alerted her BMC coworkers that I would be there with his wife and daughter, and they provided excellent care. Megan always answers my health questions, no matter how trivial, and always is willing to help mentor my younger nurse friends who are new to the city. Megan stands with her fellow nurses whenever they need her, including the most recent BMC strike. She is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known, and she absolutely deserves a salute. I want her to know she embodies what a nurse is: poised, professional, caring, and (most of all) a shoulder to cry on.—Nominated by Sam Chambers

Jocelyn Olivier, Labor & Delivery, Boston Medical Center

I have had the pleasure of being Jocelyn’s clinical nursing educator for the past 16 years. Jocelyn transitioned to the Labor & Delivery Unit at Boston Medical Center’s Women and Infant Center and has been a strong leader. Jocelyn is an outstanding professional nurse who provides comprehensive care to high-risk mother-and-newborn couplets with the most care and compassion for every family. Most notably, she cared for a new mother who had a newborn loss and she stayed by her side and helped the family through this horrific loss. The mother was so grateful that Jocelyn was by her side. Jocelyn is eager to support her novice nursing peers and most recently participated in training a medical/surgical nurse in labor and delivery during a critical nursing shortage. Jocelyn is well respected among her peers and is a highly valued member of our nursing team.—Nominated by Lynne Lambert

Darnelle Paul, Boston Medical Center

I have been a nurse for 19 years, and a nurse practitioner at Boston Medical Center for 15 years. My mother is my only parent and means the world to me. Last year, we found out she needed a hip replacement. I was nervous knowing that I would have to rely on someone to take care of her. We were so lucky to have Darnelle as her nurse. She is everything that I admire in a nurse: kind, caring, comforting, and competent. As a health care provider, I was relieved knowing she was in good hands. Darnelle cared for my mom like she was family. She pushed her when she needed it and made her feel safe and well cared-for. I am forever grateful for Darnelle and everyone at Boston Medical Center who cared for my Mom.—Nominated by Kaye Bemis

Darnelle Paul, Boston Medical Center

Darnelle provided nursing care to me when I was hospitalized after a total hip replacement. She has a wonderful positive, encouraging energy. She was always available to help me and was a joy to get to know and depend on.—Nominated by Nancy Brady

Teresa Pugliese, Boston Medical Center

Teresa’s role in the chemotherapy clinic is as a charge nurse, staff nurse, epic super user, and patient and nursing advocate. At her insistence, Teresa continues to care for a cohort of patients daily despite the many hats she wears. She can multitask during everyday challenges, remaining fair and patient-focused at all times. Her leadership in this era of Covid-19 has been and continues to be exceptional. Often, she is planning and texting from home to prepare our clinic for the following day. Her patients consistently remark on her compassionate nature and excellent skills. Teresa’s ability to work alongside the management, medical, and support staff alike is remarkable. She is a fair and informed leader. We would like to thank Teresa for her knowledge and support, and for executing this role so effortlessly. Respectfully summited by the Chemo Clinic, Moakley 3 nursing staff.—Nominated by Ellen Munger

Jocelyn Ramirez, Boston Medical Center

I have had the pleasure of being Jocelyn’s clinical nursing educator since she was a nursing student on the Labor & Delivery Unit at Boston Medical Center’s Women and Infant Center in August 2016. Jocelyn transitioned into a new graduate RN on the Labor & Delivery Unit in September 2017. I was given the wonderful opportunity to mentor her in this new role, and she has exceeded all of my expectations.

Jocelyn is an outstanding professional who provides comprehensive care to high-risk mother and newborn couplets. We have collaborated on many complex mother and newborn clinical cases, and her approach and critical thinking skills are superb. Jocelyn applies her nursing knowledge at the bedside and provides a logical, practical approach to decision-making. Jocelyn is eager to support her nursing peers and actively participates in many educational endeavors to enhance professional nursing practice. Most recently, she volunteered and oriented a new graduate Labor & Delivery nurse when an unexpected situation arose. Jocelyn is extremely ambitious and is always seeking opportunities for growth and learning. Most notably, she created a “52 Weeks of Safety Program” for the entire Labor & Delivery team. She participated in obtaining a grant to improve teamwork and outcomes for our mothers and newborns and readily shares her creative ideas to improve collaborative practice. Jocelyn is well-respected among her peers and is a highly valued member of our nursing team. Jocelyn is a compassionate, energized, and motivated lifelong learner. It is with great pleasure that I salute Jocelyn Ramirez.—Nominated by Lynne Lambert

Stephanie Robinson, Boston Medical Center

I have worked with Stephanie for three years. She has shown patience and love to patients. She’s been their advocate and takes care of them as if they were family. I was recently a patient, and she helped me out not only as a nurse, but as a friend. She made me feel that I will be alright and helped me through a hard time, since I don’t have family in Boston. Nursing is not a career for everyone; Stephanie’s become my role model to get into nursing school. She’s been supportive and helped me learn the values we need as health care professionals.—Nominated by Marcela Hoyos

Brigham Health

Tama Baker, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Tama was my nurse when I came into the emergency department, bleeding acutely after a post-operative complication. I was very ill, but I was never scared, because her expertise and compassion kept my nerves totally at bay. I briefly lost consciousness before I went to the operating room. She addressed my needs while simultaneously supporting my husband and parents at the bedside. I felt so safe in her care that when I came to, I was telling jokes—she kept the energy in the room THAT calm. I was so lucky to have met Tama. Her patients are quite fortunate to be under her expert care.—Nominated by Matthew Medina

Lisa Beal, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Lisa Beal went out of her way to make my dad, T. Jeff Temple, more comfortable and confident in his care and recovery. As a longtime cardiac nurse, Lisa not only takes excellent care of her patients, but reaches out to nurses in other parts of the hospital to ensure consistent care of patients who may no longer be in her care. My dad is a frequent flyer at BWH due to his stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis. She has advocated for him both in and outside of the cardiac unit—she cares that deeply for her patients. With respect for all parties, Lisa quietly makes things happen for both her current and previous patients. Her medical knowledge is encyclopedic, and her established relationships with doctors and staff continually benefit patients due to her efforts far beyond her job requirements. Boston needs more nurses like Lisa Beal.—Nominated by Christine Smith

Kate Cannell, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Kate cared for our whole large family, guiding us to stay connected through CaringBridge, as well as taking expert care of our loved one in the Neuro-ICU.—Nominated by Peggy McLoughlin

Lauren Serino Carpenito, Faulkner Hospital, Brigham Health

Lauren is a seasoned med-surg inpatient nurse who cares for mostly elderly patients with advanced diseases. She has the special ability and capacity to care for challenging patients who are very particular, challenging, and sad. Lauren is able to see the frightened, needy person and form a connection with him or her. This comes from a place of love for people and it is spectacular to see, especially when no one else can make a connection.—Nominated by John Halporn

Meghan Connelly, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Meghan is a kind, caring, and compassionate nurse who always puts patients’ needs first. She balances her expert medical knowledge with a gentle human touch. We are so fortunate to have nurses like Meghan to care for us, especially in challenging times like these. God bless you, Meghan.—Nominated by Michael Connelly

Pam Cusick, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Pam’s calm, professional demeanor and sensitive care of our loved one supported not only him, but our entire family, throughout our six-week stay in the Neuro-ICU.—Nominated by Peggy McLoughlin

Michael Ferchak, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

In the course of 14 days after my brother-in-law arrived at Brigham and Women’s by Medflight, my family interacted with at least 20 RNs on three different units. Michael Ferchak in the Neuro ICU stood out. Given that the patient was a good-sized, strong, stubborn, unconscious male with a traumatic brain injury and broken neck, I could not have conceived a better caregiver for him than Mike Ferchak. He was always at the monitor outside the door or else attending to a monitor before it beeped. His certainty that my brother-in-law would wake from brain injury buoyed us, and he did it without ever second-guessing any doctors. He never told us to take a break, but when we did, he’d say, “He’s safe.” Of all the terrifying times, we could relax knowing that Mike was keeping him safer than anyone else (even if that meant safe from us). Of course he was the one that Walter first responded to, “Hey buddy, do you know where you are?” He was our lifeline through his presence and professionalism. Spilled coffee? No problem. Bowel movement? Great sign. We took our cues from Mike and he gave us back our family.—Nominated by Peggy Sturdivant

Maureen Hanley, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

She was always there, near my bedside. She was always ready with meds or a joke or a personal vignette from the outside world. She provided the best medicine for me: laughter. And I was able to give back, as well. While I was under her care, she lost one of her beloved dogs. She was able to share that news and grieve with me. In so doing, she gave me a gift of feeling less helpless, of knowing that I could serve a purpose even while being hooked up to an IV and being endlessly prodded by techs for vital signs. She gave me laughter, which helped with my pain as much as the morphine—perhaps even more. I still miss our daily interaction. I still keep her in my thoughts and wish her well and pray for her safety, especially during these times.—Nominated by Carla Burzyk

Alison Hutson, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Alison Hutson exhibits compassion and concern for her patients every day. During this coronavirus crisis she is working seven days a week and reusing single-use personal protection equipment. She recently posted on Facebook a request for her friends and relatives to donate any items that hospital staff can use to protect themselves from the virus. She consistently exceeds the call of duty.—Nominated by Jack Hutson

Janet Frink, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

A powerful patient advocate with superb clinical skills, Janet takes care of the tiniest newborns with compassion and grace. Among a group of excellent nurses, she shines!—Nominated by Steven Ringer

Sapna Makhijani, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

In June 2019, I had the great misfortune of spending 10 days hospitalized for acute back pain; this hospitalization included stays at two different hospitals, with treatment provided by somewhere between 15 and 20 nurses, at least a dozen doctors, and countless nursing assistants; this journey culminated with a three-day stay at BWH. Fortunately, the care I received from each and every nurse at both hospitals was professional, with a focus by all on this patient’s comfort.

There was one component of my stay at BWH, however, that was truly noteworthy: Sapna Makhijani’s nursing care. Not only was the care that Sapna provided exceptional, but it was accompanied by a level of compassion and humanity that bolstered my spirits, which desperately needed a boost during treatment for extreme pain. What’s more, she was able to help me understand and navigate the bureaucracy at BWH, reducing my anxiety and making me comfortable with the discharge plan. I haven’t encountered anyone who is more worthy of this salute than Sapna Makhijani; she demonstrated a level of care and compassion that was truly exceptional.—Nominated by Jon Shein

Kayla Manczurowsky, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Kayla is not only my twin sister, but an incredible nurse on the GYN/oncology floor at BWH. I am nominating her because she constantly demonstrates selflessness, compassion and dedication to her profession. I have seen her walk the halls of the hospital and have so many professionals sing her praise. She tells countless stories of the “great catches” she has made when treating patients, preventing crises and saving lives.

But beyond her superior clinical skills, it is when she kneels into a patient’s humanity that touches me. Kayla won’t just give meds and check vitals, she will make sure you’ve eaten well, have talked to family, and then will assist you in full spa-mode to wash your hair and bathe when you least feel up for it. Countless responses like these from patients have earned her DAISY awards. She now does all of this while helping our family take care of our mother, another amazing nurse, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma last year. Kayla treats everyone around her, patients or otherwise, as if they are her family and spares nothing to make others comfortable and healthy. Kayla’s tireless and attentive care is truly exemplary of what it means to be a part of the nursing community.—Nominated by Julia Manczurowsky

Danika Medina, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

I gave Danika firsthand information from my colleagues in Italy regarding the practical and logistic challenges of nursing care during the Covid-19 epidemic. Danika was immediately available to listen, ask important questions, and truly absorb every bit of information with an incredibly open mind and flexibility. She took the this very seriously and started working on effective measures for our hospital before the epidemic even started, and before the media or even the CDC started really explaining the seriousness of it. I have no doubts that lives will be saved because of the early nursing leadership intervention that Danika put in place.—Nominated by Antonio Gargiulo

Paul Murphy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital Emergency Department, Brigham Health

I’ve worked with Paul at BWH Emergency Department for about 15 years. He is a well-seasoned nurse with great clinical judgment and the right personality to work in our ever-changing environment. Following is an email he sent to his colleagues after a difficult night at work, very lightly edited for readability. I think it captures the pure essence of emergency nursing:

“4:53 a.m. Bear with me, I am hoping that reading this will be worth your while. Had a tough shift tonight, not so much for me as much as it was for Katelyn Harrington and her patient (and the patient’s family). Her patient came to us very sick, lingering for a long time before passing after an extended effort by the staff in the ED. Doctors, ESAs, nurses, PAs … all involved in a beautiful and extended effort to save a life. The reason I am writing this is because along my long ride home, I had time to think about this and a question my kids ask me all the time: ‘Did you help someone today? Did you save someone?’ I don’t think there are many jobs out there that involve life and death … where our actions can actually make the difference between someone living and dying. I think in the daily grind of all of the bullshit and not-so-bullshit reasons people are here in the ED, it’s a case like this that gives you pause and makes you realize that sometimes we literally have people’s lives in our hands. She was 46, by the way. I guess I just wanted to say that I am grateful for sharing this job/career with all of you. We share a common stress and an awesome responsibility, more than most could ever imagine in their jobs. The average person deals with this type of stress a few times in their lifetime, when a loved one passes … we deal with it on an almost-daily basis. As much as it is the cause of incredible stress, it’s also the reason I stay … I love being a part of something big, not just getting lost in a paycheck or a menial job or punching a time clock … but actually making the difference in someone’s life, whether it be saving one or making someone’s worst day just a little bit better or tolerable. Anyhow, thanks for listening to my rant. I am tired … out of wine … and it’s time for some sleep. Love you guys. Your peer …”—Nominated by Michael Robinson

Lindsay Osgood, Brigham Health

Lindsay took exceptional care of my father during the numerous times he was at the ICU at Brigham and Women’s. She made him feel like more than a patient to her. We will be eternally grateful for her dedication and care. My father ultimately passed, but she was there with us to cry once we were given the news that there was little more they could do.—Nominated by Filipa Melendez

Jill Popp, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

As a social worker who supports and advocates for patients, I never expected to become a patient needing an advocate myself. But after a serious infection left me in agonizing pain and required a nearly two-week hospitalization, I was feeling as emotionally exhausted as I was physically. While I am grateful for the care provided to me and fully appreciative of the importance of being poked, prodded, catheterized, carted to radiology for imaging, sponge-bathed, pumped full of medication, hooked up to monitors, etc., it is easy to lose yourself in the midst of the chaos. I felt defeated, as if I had lost my voice in my plan of care, just leaving everything in the hands of the professionals.

Enter Jill. Jill has what I feel is the bare minimum for the makings of a good nurse: competence, compassion, and a sense of humor. But beyond that, she helped me get my voice back. Jill encouraged me to ask questions and pushed for members of my treatment team (which spanned at least five departments) to meet with me to help me better understand my illness and recovery. Her confident disposition put me at ease, and although I feel that everyone at BWH was working hard on my behalf, Jill made me feel that I could handle a situation that felt, frankly, insurmountable. She solidified her position as my favorite nurse on the morning I woke up to be told I would be having a PICC line placed in 15 minutes. I was petrified, and my family wasn’t there. Jill was (as every nurse is) very busy. But when she saw how distressed I was, she scrubbed up, held my hand, and talked to me the whole time. Actions like that are what keep humanity in health care. Thank you, Jill.—Nominated by Hannah Kimler

Amanda Santos, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Amanda is highly skilled and compassionate to all her patients, no matter how sick or difficult. She treated everyone with respect, dignity, and excellent care.—Nominated by Ed Vitiello

Stefan Strojwas, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Stefan is working on the front lines with Covid-19 patients.—Nominated by Sandra Sepulveda

Kim Tierney, Home Hospital Program, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham Health

Kim Tierney is an incredible advocate and ambassador for the BWH Home Hospital program, which allows critically ill patients to be cared for at home as if they were in the hospital. Nurse Tierney is the primary medical caregiver, along with the MDs and the full team. Her nursing skills are first-rate. She is very deft at managing medical care in unfamiliar surroundings and without the full complement of assistance of the hospital setting. She communicates directly and warmly and is able to explain what the patient needs and how it is going to be delivered. She takes the time to know the patient and family and tries to make her visits fun and nourishing, in addition to the excellent medical care she provides. It is amazing what the program does for at-home patients—continuous monitoring of vital signs, EKGs, blood tests, medication, etc. She does it all with grace, experience, and knowledge. As a patient in the program for a week, and cared for by Kim, I can attest to how remarkable the program is, in large part due to her skills and compassion. It allows patients to have first-rate medical care in their homes, rather than in the hospital. This is an important development in medicine, particularly during these medically complicated times.—Nominated by Joanne Goldstein

Cambridge Health Alliance

Casey Alexandre, Medical Education, Cambridge Health Alliance

It is a pleasure to nominate Casey Alexandre from the Medical Education Department. Although I have not known Casey very long, I feel as though I have. She has an ability to adapt to stressful situations and make everybody around her feel calm. This is a skill that cannot be taught.

My name is Philip Fournier; I have been a registered nurse for 20 years. I am the clinical leader on Cahill 4, which is an inpatient psychiatric unit. I first met Casey when she responded to a rapid response here on Cahill 4. We do not see a lot of medical crises. Casey, who had never been on Cahill 4 before, came in like she had been here a million times. She immediately took control of the situation. I remember thinking to myself, “this must be some new trauma doctor.” Not only was she quick-witted and able to make decisions under stress, she had a bright, friendly personality while doing it. Casey quickly resolved the situation in a “patient-first” manner.

After meeting Casey in our morning huddle one day, she told me she used to work at Everett Hospital. Casey said she was thrilled when she got the nursing education job here at CHA. She went on to tell me that she was enrolled in a master’s program for education and that it was tough at times, working full time and having two children. I could not believe what I was hearing, as I thought she was a doctor. Casey told me the best thing about being an educator was not only caring for the patients, but being able to teach other nurses to care for patients the way she does. That staying up-to-date on the newest medication or treatment was “so much fun! Because it is amazing to see how far we have come and how much more there is to learn.” She is clearly a lifetime learner.

At that time, psychiatry did not have a nursing educator. So Casey became my “go-to” education person. Here is a story of one of the many times I had to call Casey: One day, I had a patient that required an indwelling catheter, which is a technique I had not done in over 10 years. I called Casey, and again she came over without question. I was expecting her to do it when she surprised me and said, “OK, Phil, you ready to do this?” I was shocked, but almost felt that I needed to do this just to show Casey that I could. Casey walked me right through it and at no point was I even nervous. (I felt like I was back in nursing school again, it was quite a humbling experience.) Casey has an amazing talent to create serenity in stressful situations. As I got to know (depend) on Casey, the more I got to learn about just how passionate she was about all aspects of nursing. Her best practice is always evidence-based, and if she does not have the answer, she will find it. She has a “can-do” attitude.

Casey was able to help reduce hospital-acquired urinary tract infections from catheters to basically zero. She was also able to do this with hospital-acquired bed sores. She continues to be a driving force in the reduction of many other hospital best practices. She couldn’t do any of these things alone. Her infectious personality and ability to get staff to “buy in” to her team approach is immeasurable. Casey can build relationships with any discipline in any department.

Casey Alexandre is a 33-year-old married mother of two. Casey received her master’s degree this May in nursing education and is working on her doctorate of nursing practice. Casey has also taken on additional role as the off-shift manager. Casey is an amazing young woman whom I can’t believe has only been a registered nurse for nine years. She is wise beyond her years. In the event that I ever fall ill, I could only pray that I would be lucky enough to have a nurse like Casey.—Nominated by Philip Fournier