Element Care

Kathy Savage, Element Care

My wife has touched the lives of many through volunteering with many organizations, including the National MS Society and the Special Olympics. When the COVID vaccines came out, she started to volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps to help administer them, and she still helps out at vaccine clinics to this day. When the food bank in neighboring Winthrop was looking for help, she volunteered to pack bags several days a week. Then she started to volunteer at our city’s Veterans monthly food bank, where she remains to help. Recently, she started to volunteer with RAM (Remote Area Medical), helping provide medical care to those in remote areas of the United States. She’s definitely a worthwhile nurse who needs recognition. – Nominated by Rick Savage

Emerson Health System

Laura Arvidson, Clough Birthing Center Postpartum Care, Emerson Health

After a tough labor that ended with a C-section, we spent four nights in the postpartum unit. Laura was our nurse for three of those nights. We received wonderful care from all our nurses, but Laura’s kindness was unmatched. I was induced and had been awake for nearly 36 hours by the time my daughter was born. I will never forget Laura walking in at some point, taking one look at me, and asking, “Have you slept?” I was visibly exhausted, and my answer was “no.” Our daughter was really fussy unless I was holding her, so Laura stood and charted at the computer next to my bed while bouncing our swaddled baby, so I could close my eyes. Her presence provided an immediate sense of calm for both my husband and me, and she kept reassuring us that we were doing great. She was truly a godsend to us and I will never forget her kindness. – Nominated by Hannah Dunphy

Jessica Algarin, Naka Infusion Center, Emerson Health

As nurse manager in the Naka Infusion Center, Jess is passionate about the care of oncology patients. Jess partners with many disciplines to ensure that infusion patients have seamless transitions, exceptional experiences, and always feel like they are the only patient in the unit. Jess is committed to the ongoing growth of her team, seeking out in-service opportunities for them and always prioritizing patient outcomes and quality. Jess listens to her team and incorporates their ideas for improvement into unit operations. She is compassionate, empathetic, and clinically competent, all important attributes that make her a successful leader. – Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Gabrielle Arpante, Emerson Health

Team player, patient, caring, compassionate, and she brings positive energy. She deserves to be recognized. – Nominated by Raissa Mapinduzi

Sophia Austin, Emerson Health

Sofia is one of the most compassionate and empathetic people I have ever met. Time and time again, she builds trust with the most untrusting patients. Her kind and encouraging demeanor has helped many patients navigate their difficult hospital stay. – Nominated by Samantha Brault

Sam Brault, Emerson Health

I have the pleasure of working with Sam every day. A new nurse manager who is eager to learn and grow, Sam has all the attributes of a strong manager. She is deeply respected by her team, frequently receives kudos from patients and families, and is dedicated to providing patients with the highest quality care. Sam’s strength as a leader comes from her ability to relate to her team and patients. She listens, and ensures that her team feels heard. She advocates for what her team needs to provide the very best care. This past year, which was her first as a leader, she took on the additional responsibility of covering a second floor due to a nurse manager vacancy. Even with this extra work she continued to receive positive feedback from patients and families. The team members she leads all find ways to share how much they appreciate her. – Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Jennifer Castellano, Emerson Health

As clinical educator for N6, Jennifer is a role model and mentor to new and experienced nurses alike. Her approachability promotes open communication and questioning attitudes. N6 has been one of the most challenging units during this ongoing pandemic. As the designated unit to cohort patients with COVID-19, Jenn has been the voice of calm and reassurance for her staff. She’s routinely found at the bedside, offering guidance to her nurses. She is respected by nurse and physician colleagues alike. At times when turnover has left the unit without a manager, Jenn has provided much-needed leadership and visibility. She has been the constant through all the change and continues to remain positive and upbeat. She is the nurse’s nurse, and Emerson is fortunate to have her to serve and model the behaviors we want for all of our nurses and staff. – Nominated by Rory St. Pierre

Jillian Cedrone, Emerson Health

Jill is a clinical resource nurse for our mixed adult/pediatric unit. She is amazing. One minute, she is sprinting to assist coworkers with a code or emergency situation (with a calm and confident presence). And the next minute she is spending time with a lonely patient, braiding her hair. Those gestures, big and small, mean so much to our patients. – Nominated by Samantha Brault

Jillian Cedrone, Emerson Health

In my 18 years as a nurse, I’ve trained, educated, and mentored many nurses. Jillian started off as a teenager passing meal trays and became a dietician, a patient care technician, and now an RN. Jillian nurses from her heart and offers her patients a gentle hand to hold. She’s often found braiding someone’s hair or shaving a beard — the most basic nursing care makes the biggest impact. Jillian has advanced clinical skills in both the adult and pediatric populations. She’s been a preceptor to oncoming nurses, educating with patience and support. She has obtained her clinical advancement level IV and is now one of our clinical resource nurses. No matter how busy Jillian is, she lends a helping hand with both her patients and colleagues. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a salute. Her compassion, along with her confident clinical skills, bring peace to any patient in their most vulnerable state. – Nominated by Christa Pineda

Sam Chapman, Emerson Health

Sam trains new nurses starting at our organization. He greets new team members in a way that immediately makes them feel welcomed. Despite having a rigorous training schedule and agenda, Sam always finds time to take new colleagues around and introduce them to the departments and leaders across the organization. At a time when recruitment and retention are essential, he is hands-down one of the best first impressions an organization can make. When he is not working as an educator, he covers a nursing supervisor role or two, maintaining a level of experiential and relevant knowledge that he then brings into the classroom. He is truly an asset to the organization and someone to go to with questions. We often hear how helpful he was in a challenging situation. He is professional, supportive of nurses and patients, and always teaching along the way. – Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Julianne Clement, Naka Infusion Center, Emerson Health

Julianne is an oncology nurse who takes great pride in her work, and her care and compassion shine through daily. The very definition of a leader and team player, she’s a true advocate for

her patients and always keeps the patient and family at the center of care when collaborating with the multidisciplinary team. Many patients and family members have been beyond grateful for her care during one of the most challenging times of their lives. I am proud of the nurse that she is and feel fortunate to work beside her each day. Thank you, Julianne. – Nominated by Jessica Algarin

Julianne Clement, Emerson Health 

I’ve been a travel nurse at Emerson since last October. Julianne Clement has been an inspiration this whole time. She oriented me to the unit, and she’s a wealth of knowledge, well-versed in oncology. What she doesn’t know, she takes the time to learn, and loves to do it. She is a compassionate caregiver. She makes unforgettable connections with her patients, remembering details about their lives, and they love her for it. She advocates for their needs, takes the time to discuss their well-being, and develops a plan for their future. Patients are very thankful for her care, and she is so humble. I have been amazed by her work, and she deserves to be recognized. Great work, Julianne. – Nominated by Dillon Gaudet

Julianne Clement, Emerson Health

Julianne is a clinical resource nurse in our Naka infusion center who functions as a resource for the patients, staff, and provider teams. She is deeply respected by all. Julianne’s kind and compassionate approach to care puts patients at ease. She is expert in connecting with patients while delivering expert care.
– Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Tatiana Cruz, Clough Birthing Center Labor & Delivery, Emerson Health

Tatiana was with me through the toughest part of my labor. She literally let me rest my head on her chest while the anesthesiologist inserted my epidural. Due to the way that my labor was progressing, I made the decision to have a C-section, and by that time her shift was ending. Our baby’s gender was a surprise, and she had made us a little hat with a bow earlier that day in case the baby was a girl. She couldn’t leave without knowing what we were having, so she stayed past the end of her shift and scrubbed into my surgery. Lo and behold, we welcomed a little girl that night and she wore the hat that Tatiana made for her. I will never forget the support that she offered to me during my labor and how sweet it was that she stayed past the end of her shift to see our baby be born. – Nominated by Hannah Dunphy

Hannah DeChiara, Emerson Health Emergency Department

Hannah went all-out to ensure my safety and advocate for my rights as a patient. She was attentive, compassionate, and one of the most caring people I’ve ever met. She held my hand and helped me through a time of great stress and anxiety. I wish every nurse could be as wonderful as Hannah. She really exemplifies the profession beautifully. – Nominated by Hunter Drake

Casey Dewalt, Emerson Health

Casey recently took the initiative to address a crucial community need by training Concord schools on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The recent cardiac arrest seen in professional football has brought sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) to public attention. SCA is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate intervention, and AEDs can be the difference between life and death. However, not many people are properly trained to use these devices, which can be a major barrier to effective treatment. Casey’s efforts to educate local schools on the use of AEDs are commendable and important. By providing this training, she is not only helping to improve the chances of survival for those who may experience SCA, but also empowering the local community with lifesaving skills and knowledge. Having worked with Casey before, I can attest to her dedication, professionalism, and expertise in the field of emergency nursing. – Nominated by Mark Mahnfeldt

Grace Diamond, Emerson Health

Grace is an amazing psychiatric nurse. She is compassionate with her patients and calm and understanding. – Nominated by Valerie Barr

Grace Diamond, Emerson Health

Grace is an all-around great nurse who always places the patients’ needs first and helps wherever she’s needed, even if it’s not a nurse’s responsibility. She’s caring and compassionate even on the behavioral health unit, where everyone’s patience is tested daily. Grace doesn’t falter; she’s a ray of sunshine every day. – Nominated by Sean White

Tracy Donaldson, Emerson Health 

Tracey is caring and calming, and she keeps our endoscopy unit running smoothly. She deserves recognition for her hard work. – Nominated by Jennifer Nayor

Amy Farrar, Labor and Delivery, Emerson Health

Amy gave my sister the most compassionate care imaginable in Labor and Delivery during and after a devastating loss. After learning the baby would be stillborn, Amy sacrificed Christmas Eve with her own family to stay by my sister’s side the entire night, and into Christmas Day. She provided comfort and kept my family updated throughout the night. Amy met us with a hug when we arrived in the morning. We’ll never have the words to express how much we appreciate what she did to help us all get through this unimaginable experience. Amy is the most skilled, compassionate, dependable, and selfless nurse we have ever met, and we’ll never forget how she gave up her own Christmas to help our family get through ours. – Nominated by Olivia Craigen

Michele Fremault, Emerson Health

As one of the more experienced nurses in our critical care unit, Michele is eager to mentor newer colleagues. Always willing to educate and invest in growing the future of the profession, she’s also a clinical instructor for one of the area nursing schools. Michele is always smiling and trying to make someone’s day brighter. This shows in how she interacts with colleagues and visitors to the hospital, but most importantly, how she makes her patients feel. She loves being a nurse, is proud to be a nurse, and finds great pride in the connection she makes with patients, no matter where they are in the care trajectory. I am super proud to work with Michele. With her dedication to the ongoing growth of our profession and her love of being a nurse, she will continue to train competent, caring nurses into the future. – Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Tommi Gill-Sammet, Emerson Health

Tommi is a very dedicated nurse leader who puts the patients at the center of everything she does. She is a role model for teamwork! Whenever someone in the organization needs anything, Tommi is the first to find a solution, pitch in and help, or pull a team together to ensure the patient experience is exceptional. As a relatively new leader, Tommi has developed a strong rapport with her nursing team. She is a hands-on leader and you’ll usually find her out on her unit, rounding with patients, families, and staff. – Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Tommi Gill-Sammet, Emerson Health

Tommi cares so much about her staff and patients in the critical care unit that she goes all-out from the kindness of her heart. When my mom was declining in the CCU, Tommi had my back, and helped me see my mom on her last day. I never thought that would be the last day I’d ever see my mom, and Tommi helped me tremendously. I never could have asked for a better nurse manager who cares so much about everyone around her. – Nominated by Karen Butler

Cara Grimard, Emerson Health

Dedicated to labor and delivery for decades, my mother has helped countless patients through the most heart-wrenching and happiest times. Her clinical skills are wildly impressive, but her expertise goes beyond medical knowledge. She invests in her patients in immeasurably compassionate ways, listening and caring for them while working tirelessly for their best possible care. Helping women through both birth and loss of their babies is the hardest part of her job. She connects with them so deeply that she experiences their feelings herself. Some days she comes home proud, and others she comes home in tears. But to me, she always comes home a hero. I have learned so much from her loving example and am honored to be her daughter. – Nominated by Lila Grimard

Caitlin Siravo, Robert C. Cantu Concussion Center, Emerson Health

As my nurse practitioner and first person who cared for me after my head injury, Caitlin welcomed me by listening to my perspective, thoughts, and struggles. Her care and communication were always thorough and personal, allowing me to share openly while feeling safe and supported with every step forward or back that I faced. She greeted me warmly and spoke clearly, frequently checking on how I was doing and feeling while showing deep compassion and awareness of my emotions. I valued this deeply, and I’m beyond grateful for her presence, and for making sure I got the assistance I need moving forward. She defines what the next generation of nurses should be. Thank you, Cait. – Nominated by Carmella Richardson

Maryia Harbachova, Emerson Health

Maryia defines excellence in the critical care unit. Warm at the bedside, clear and succinct on rounds, and an advocate and diplomat for her patients, her strong understanding of physiology helps her navigate complex cases and foresee problems. Most importantly, her humility and keen awareness (of self and others), motivate her to frequently seek and offer help. Great team member. – Nominated by Julian Lel

Michelle Helms, Emerson Health

Michelle is a charge nurse in the operating room (OR). As one of our newer permanent staff members, Michelle has taken on the challenging role of charge along with another colleague. She pays attention to detail and ensures success in our department by keeping our efficiencies up and providing a positive experience for our patients. Michelle advocates for patients, as well as her peers, between surgeons, anesthesia, and perioperative leadership. Her calm and compassionate demeanor makes her a great role model for new graduate nurses entering the OR through our Periop 101 program. – Nominated by Christine Charland

Marci Kling, Emerson Health

As our perioperative educator, Marci goes the extra mile to keep the perioperative 101 pipeline flowing by working collaboratively with the perioperative leadership team and HR to source candidates who want to stay in surgery for the long term. She’s been able to establish a consistent flow of qualified RNs, and this has helped us decrease the need to spend premium dollars on contract labor. – Nominated by Daniel Johnson

Christine Kuhlberg , Emerson Health PHO

Chris is Dr. Tong’s Care Manager. She helped me find vaccines, explained Dr. Tong’s notes regarding vitamin B12, and has given me other pieces of advice. – Nominated by Joan Kimball

Courtney Lord, Emerson Health Urgent Care

Courtney provides excellent care to every patient in the Emerson Health Urgent Care centers. She is compassionate and thorough and inspires other staff to be the difference. Even on busy days, Courtney finds joy in knowing that she is helping others. – Nominated by Amanda Sarbacker

Grace Miller, Emerson Health

Grace is simply amazing. Grace is one of the most kind, humble, and hardworking nurses I’ve ever known. Grace’s pleasant personality and willingness to help all in need is authentic, and so very appreciated. Grace considers everyone else’s needs before her own, and the word “No” isn’t in her vocabulary. It’s an absolute pleasure having Grace on our team, and I know our department thrives because of people like Grace and their devotion to health care. Thank you, Grace, for all you do.
– Nominated by Wendy Repucci

Regina Molinaro, Emerson Health

My mother has been a nurse in Massachusetts since moving here in the early 1980s. She primarily worked at Emerson Hospital, with stints at Acton Medical and local schools as side gigs. Her passion has always been patient care; she enjoyed emergency room work the most. She was also a nighttime hospital administrator at Emerson for many years. She missed her 30-year work anniversary at Emerson, opting instead to help my wife and me through the pandemic with our then 2-year-old daughter and 4-month-pregnant wife. Our son was born in August 2020. (We both were able to continue work remotely.) Although she’s since returned to Emerson in the last year, she still is the ultimate Yaya/nurse to our now 4.5- and 2.5-year-old children, including childcare every Friday. As my dad enters surgery today for a knee replacement, Regina will bring her work home, as she’s done for him, for us, in the past. He will not miss a beat during recovery and will be back on his feet ahead of schedule. Professionally, I’m sure there are many at Emerson Hospital who can speak to my mother’s work and impact. I have no doubt that the hospital, staff, and, of course, patients have received the same high degree of care witnessed by our family over the past three decades-plus. – Nominated by Bryan Molinaro

Alyssa Mulno, Emerson Health

Alyssa is judicious in carrying out difficult patient assignments and projects. For instance, she created an informational packet on after-care when a patient has certain medications intraoperatively. With her next project regarding pain med tracking for patients at home, she saw what would help her patients and took prompt action. Alyssa often makes practical suggestions that lead to effective solutions like these. Alyssa is thoughtful and weighs alternative courses of action for patients who need extra consideration. Alyssa leads by example and doesn’t allow others to cut corners; she always does what is right, rather than what is easiest. Finally, Alyssa is dedicated and committed to excellence, as everyone notices and appreciates. – Nominated by Wendy Repucci

Gina Ouellette, Emerson Health

Gina is an amazing charge nurse at the Emerson Hospital Emergency Department. She’s calm, smart, focused, and a pleasure to work with as an emergency physician. I’m always thrilled to see when she’s working. In addition to running the ER well, Gina has a great rapport with patients and provides amazing nursing care. She is truly one of the best. – Nominated by Randy Kring

Christa Pineda, Emerson Health

Christa is the voice of the staff. Her co-workers trust her immensely, and frequently share their concerns and ideas with her.  And, in turn, Christa voices those concerns to the right audience.  Or she takes those ideas and helps translate them into action. I appreciate her so much, and I know the Wheeler 4 crew feels the same way. – Nominated by Samantha Brault

Nicole Potter, Emerson Health

Nicole is a dedicated RN who is committed to delivering patient-centered care. She not only does this in her interactions with patients, but also through her leadership on her unit. She is a role model. Through empathy and compassion, she ensures all patients receive the very best care. Her unit is the designated COVID floor, and she goes out of her way to make sure her co-workers find ways to take care of themselves. Often, she will create a new bulletin board with an important message or theme about self-care or teamwork, all while supporting patients and families through their illnesses. She incorporates evidence-based practice into all that she does. When a specific practice challenge arises on her unit, she researches the problem and educates her team on the research and best practice, while producing a final product that all can read and understand quickly and comprehensively. – Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Kathy Reece, Emerson Health

Kathy has been a registered nurse at Emerson Hospital since 1983. In the seven months that I’ve worked with her, Kathy has proven to be a fierce patient advocate and a compassionate and empathetic nurse. In today’s healthcare climate with prolonged emergency department wait times, overcrowding, and patients boarding, it would be easy to get lost in your work and forget that behind every diagnosis is a human being, but this isn’t lost on Kathy. She treats every patient like family. In the face of multiple competing priorities, Kathy makes each one feel as if they are her only patient. In recent years, many emergency departments have seen more patients seeking help for behavioral health and substance abuse concerns. Kathy approaches them without judgment and advocates that their medical and behavioral health needs are met. 

Beyond supporting patients and their families, Kathy also calms her co-workers in a not-so-calm environment. She’s a mentor for younger/newer staff and a resource for everyone in the department. I can only hope that if any of my loved ones ever need emergency care, they’re fortunate enough to have Kathy as their nurse. – Nominated by Amanda Maillet

Christine Richard, Emerson Health

Christine is a clinical resource nurse on our adult/pediatric medical/surgical unit. She keeps the unit cool, calm and collected. She always has a plan, and then a backup plan, and then another plan, just in case those fall through. She can feel the stress of co-workers and jumps in to help with med pass, admits, etc. She is the epitome of a team leader. – Nominated by Samantha Brault

Allison Richardson, Emerson Health

You won’t find a more open and honest person than Allison. She cares deeply and authentically for her patients and her co-workers, who appreciate it beyond measure. Allison is extremely hardworking. She doesn’t stop until the day is done—she’s a proven performer. Uniquely, Allison views problems as opportunities and has the insight and the drive to propose practical change—she is curious and she is creative with solutions, which is most admirable and inspiring. Thank you, Allison. I have learned so much from you and I appreciate you beyond words. – Nominated by Wendy Repucci

Rochelle Rivera, Emerson Health Urology

This nurse is beyond dedicated to her patients. I have the pleasure of watching her put her patients’ needs first. She cares deeply about her work. – Nominated by Rachel Ansah

Rochelle Rivera, Emerson Health Urology

I’ve been a non-medical employee at Emerson Urology for a year now. While I’ve been learning my new position, LPN Rochelle Rivera has been nothing but patient, kind, and informative while teaching me how to be the best medical secretary. There’s nothing I can ask her about urology or our patients that she can’t answer, or show me how to do. She works tirelessly to make sure all of our patients get the care they need, as well as her fellow employees. The six medical assistants in her charge all look up to her. She’s the mother of three beautiful boys with busy scholastic and sports schedules, and she does all of this while her husband is overseas serving our country. This incredible woman comes to work every day with a smile and the patience of a saint. We take care of a lot of very sick people in urology, and she treats every one of them like family. It’s a privilege and an honor to work with her. – Nominated by Donna Keough

Rochelle Rivera, Emerson Health Urology

My family has gone through some frightening medical issues, but seeing Rochelle always makes us feel much better. Her professionalism, optimism, expertise, compassion, and boundless patience are invaluable. She makes us feel like we’re her only patients and that she has all the time in the world for our many questions. Rochelle is absolutely a ray of sunshine. After today’s visit, my husband asked, “Why can’t there be more people like Rochelle in the world?” – Nominated by Jean Segal

Rochelle Rivera, Emerson Health Urology

Rochelle provides compassionate care, puts us at ease, and provides all the information to make sure the recovery proceeds as planned. – Nominated by Robert Segal

Rochelle Rivera, Emerson Health Urology

Rochelle is very compassionate in general. As a nurse, Rochelle exceeds all expectations. She deals with a lot of patients daily, many of them elderly, in a way that not many people do. She’s kind and nurturing. She takes her time with all her patients and makes sure all of their needs are met. She’ll be a voice for any patient who needs it. I’ve worked with Rochelle for two years and seen how amazing she is with patients, as well as her co-workers and family. She will help anybody in need. – Nominated by Christiana Vovolis

Autumn Silva, Emerson Health

Autumn is a true expert in caring for patients with a cancer diagnosis. As the clinical nurse specialist in our infusion center, she ensures all policies and practices are up to date and evidence-based. How she then rolls out these policies and procedures to the nursing team is something very special. She is kind, caring, and brilliant. She creates an environment rich for learning and growth. She takes her interactions with patients and staff forward to create plans for continuous improvement and progress. Autumn is dedicated to her team and her patients, and anyone who interacts with her is constantly learning and growing. She is an asset to our team and our profession. – Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Karen Stone, Emerson Health

My wife had some concerns while she was in pre-op before her carpal tunnel surgery last Saturday. Karen Stone was welcoming, warm, reassuring, patient, informative, and thoroughly professional. She made Lorraine’s experience much, much better, and deserves to be recognized for this. – Nominated by Giles Browne

Kaitlyn Taylor, Emerson Health Emergency Department

A young child came into the Emergency Department with a life-threatening issue. While physicians, nurses, techs, and others quickly worked to stabilize him, Kaitlyn knew what he needed most—she sat and talked to him, got him to focus on her instead of the needles, monitors, and noise all around him. Sometimes the most therapeutic intervention is just holding a child’s hand. – Nominated by Deb Greene

Jessica Tellier, Emerson Health

Jessica agreed to become trained in placing PICC lines. [A peripherally inserted central catheter line provides access to the large central veins near your heart.] She not only went through the training, but she also became a member of the Infusion Nurses Society to ensure she was continuously learning. She has gone above and beyond in this new role, seeking out information and informing policy updates. She is a natural leader who is respected by others, and a resource to others who just need someone to review a situation with them. She is a valued member of our care team. – Nominated by Kelly Harmon

Karen Thatcher, Emerson Health

I barely remember anything from the first few days of my daughter’s life other than the excellent care I received from Karen in the postpartum ward. She genuinely cared about me, my daughter, my family, and our well-being. When I said that I didn’t want to pump, she didn’t pressure me to breastfeed, but rather encouraged me to prioritize my mental health. She also helped my daughter to latch. Most importantly, she saw that I was being too hard on myself and gave me some advice that I still use to this day: I am setting an example for my kids—when they see me engage in negative self-talk, I might be setting them up for the same behavior, and that’s not what I want for them. – Nominated by Rachelle Horwitz-Martin

Kerry Thompson, Emerson Health

My unit manager, Kerry Thompson, supports our staff by helping when we’re going through challenging times. Kerry recently helped me when I needed health accommodations, which made a huge difference. She helps nurses get time off and offers support systems to keep our nursing unit running with less stress. Kerry makes our unit a family in times of need. – Nominated by Jessica Kennedy

Sue Walsh, Emerson Health

Sue Walsh is an incredible night charge nurse at the Emerson Hospital Emergency Department. Sue runs the ER while still supporting her colleagues and taking the time to teach and encourage new grads. As an emergency physician, I’m always excited to see that Sue is on — she’s one of the best and truly deserves a salute. – Nominated by Randy Kring

Fertility Centers of New England (FCNE)

Renee Colucciello, FCNE

Excellent, compassionate, years of great service. – Nominated by Madeline Rondeau

Renee Colucciello, FCNE

Nurse is patient, helpful, and understanding. Works great with her peers. – Nominated by Kelly Spinney

Golden Pond Assisted Living

Lisa Jacobs, Golden Pond Assisted Living

A psychiatric nurse for 35 years, Lisa’s compassion and competency in dealing with patients with dementia and behavioral issues is beyond all expectations. She never stops working to improve patients’ care and quality of life. Every day, she oversees and cares for more than 50 patients with the respect anyone would want, and always with dignity. Lisa communicates 24/7 with families, care coordinators, and clinicians. Lisa’s story is 35 years old, but her work ethic and compassion are every day. – Nominated by Doug Noble

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

Maria Alvelo, Greater Lawrence Family Health Center

Maria starts her day as a certified office-based addiction treatment nurse by asking her patients, “What can we do for you?” She says, “I am here to support you and I am not going anywhere.” She has been communicating with patients, day and night, for over 15 years. Maria listens empathetically, knowing that substance use disorders are not a moral decision. Her approach of “meeting a patient where they are at” builds trust that patients direly need to find their sobriety. She saved a man’s life one night when he texted that he was having suicidal thoughts and she went to his home and talked him through his difficult episode.

Here is one of many unsolicited [lightly edited] emails from a patient: “I just wanted to let you know about the wonderful job Maria has been doing for all the years I’ve been a patient. No matter what the issue is, Maria has always been there for me and all her other patients. She even gave me her cellphone number so that I can contact her when I am unable to reach anyone else. She is always kind, caring, and professional. She is a kind and gentle woman with a huge heart.” – Nominated by Mary Lyman

Hartford Hospital

Anna Cronin, Bliss East, 7^th Floor, Hartford Hospital

I was hospitalized in early February with a gastrointestinal condition that was complicated by my ALS diagnosis. During my stay, I had several very good nurses, but the one who stood out was Anna Cronin. She was my daytime nurse for the first two days, when my condition was most serious, and treatment/surgery was uncertain. During this most stressful time, Anna cared for me in a kind, respectful, and proactive manner and advocated on my behalf with the doctors and surgeons. She showed tremendous compassion and empathy for my unique needs due to ALS, including difficulty moving, speaking, and breathing. Anna put my mind at ease by explaining in detail what to expect with each bedside visit and throughout the day. She also was very responsive to my wife’s questions, concerns, and requests. I have met many nurses since my ALS diagnosis in 2017, but Anna is among the best I’ve encountered, and she deserves recognition. – Nominated by Andrew Grimaldi

Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates – Boston/Kenmore

Mary Develler, Kenmore

Mary explains what to expect in detail and makes sure patients understand what will happen next. It sounds like a small thing, but patients need additional care and understanding. Mary delivers that, and more. – Nominated by Mary Brown

Hebrew SeniorLife

Debra Dunlap, Hebrew SeniorLife, HRC-NewBridge 

 Debra’s commitment to excellence has been demonstrated in so many ways. She is often mentioned in statements by patients and their families about how attentive and sincerely caring she is. She is committed to excellence and has continued to develop her leadership skills so that she can mentor and coach others. Her attention to detail and her willingness to identify opportunities for improvement have resulted in meaningful practice change that improves the care of our older adults. Debra is never hesitant to speak up and share her thoughts and knowledge. As a result, she has become a leader others turn to for guidance and support. – Nominated by Tammy Retalic

Margaret Egbueze, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center Boston, Hebrew SeniorLife

I’ve worked with Margaret Egbueze, the evening charge nurse for 1 Berger, for more than a decade. Margaret is dedicated, hardworking, efficient, and compassionate. She runs a difficult floor with calm energy, a cheerful demeanor, and structure that provides a feeling of safety and warmth for patients and staff alike. Margaret has weathered many storms on her unit with COVID, changes in staff, and new computer programs. Despite the storms, she is always smiling, willing to roll up her sleeves, and creates an environment that is therapeutic and welcoming. – Nominated by Heidi M. McAvoy

Melissa Magnone, HSL Home and Community Based Services, Hebrew SeniorLife

Melissa’s commitment to her patients and families is unparalleled. A 95-year-old gentleman patient she worked with described Melissa as, “the best woman in the world, besides my wife.” Working in the home environment, as Melissa does, can be challenging. She has the combination of strong clinical skills and genuine caring that makes nursing so special. I am proud to work alongside her and always rest easy when we are co-managing patients, as I know they are getting the very best that nursing has to offer.
– Nominated by Emily Palmer

Melissa Magnone, HSL Home and Community Based Services, Hebrew SeniorLife

Melissa Magnone is one of the best home health nurses I’ve had the privilege to work with in my 35 years as a practicing physician. She is beloved by her patients, has excellent technical skills, and really understands the importance of communicating with the larger health-care team. – Nominated by Matthew Shuster

Maria Erma Malano, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center Boston, Hebrew SeniorLife

I can’t find enough words to describe Erma: caring, compassionate, dynamic, dedicated, competent, courageous, solid, generous, patient — the list goes on. Erma is passionate about her job as a clinical coordinator at Hebrew SeniorLife, and also works enthusiastically as a housekeeper, personal care attendant (PCA), and nurse when needed. I can’t count how many times Erma has covered the unit as PCA when we didn’t have enough staff. Her energy and love of nursing inspire others. She loves the patients and is a strong advocate for them. It is an incredible experience and a privilege to work with a clinical coordinator like Erma, whose skills and talents are outstanding. – Nominated by Carline Cenat

Nurses on 5 Berger, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center Boston, Hebrew SeniorLife

Working on an Alzheimer’s and dementia unit is a daily challenge that ordinary people cannot meet. Every day, the exceptional, compassionate, dynamic, and heroic nurses on 5 Berger care for their patients with love and compassion. Often, they have been kicked, scratched, and punched by patients, and have had patients spit at their face. Yet the love they have for their patients never ceases and their dedication never wanes. Judith Eyma, Carline Cenat, Godofredo Torres, Justina Okonoboh, Kathleen McSheffrey, Lorraine Notice, and Meseret Adnew — your know-how, your competence, and your compassion are beyond measure. Your valuable work is much appreciated. – Nominated by Carline Cenat

Nurses on 5 Berger: Judith Eyma, Carline Cenat, Godofredo Torres, Justina Okonoboh, Kathleen McSheffrey, Lorraine Notice, and Meseret Adnew, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center Boston, Hebrew SeniorLife

I have been fortunate to work with the memory care team. These nurses know what they are doing, and they do the job together with compassion. Working with dementia/Alzheimer’s patients is not easy, but this team makes it normal. They don’t see it as just a job—they see it as a career, a passion without any hesitation. They have difficult conversations with families, they cry together, and they care together. Their end goal is always their patients, who cannot help themselves because of their disease. These nurses love what they do, and are true professionals. I am a better leader because of my team, and our patients are safe because of these seven great nurses. – Nominated by Fana Hailemichael

Sarah Sjostrom, HRC at NewBridge on the Charles, Hebrew SeniorLife

“Caring for the caregiver” is what Sarah has done for the past year as a nurse leader. By leading the Stress First Aid training, she helped our frontline nurses manage burnout and anxiety. Sarah explored different ways to invite team members to express how they feel in the aftermath of the pandemic. Many staff appreciated her tangible interventions. They are comfortable sharing their concerns with Sarah, whose door is always open for guidance about resources available for support. – Nominated by Tammy Retalic

John Glenn Middle School (Bedford Public Schools)

Tracy Fernald, John Glenn Middle School

We tend to think of nurses in hospital or medical office settings. School nurses are often overlooked because we think they just administer ice, Band-Aids, and the occasional ibuprofen. As a career educator, I’ve watched Tracy demonstrate an unprecedented level of care, compassion, and efficiency for staff, students, and community members. As Tracy’s colleague since 2001, I’ve had a front-row seat to her excellence in both medical administration and case management. In February 2005, I was diagnosed with epilepsy after having a seizure in my classroom. Tracy’s swift response, and her ongoing compassion and management of my seizures, was the main thing that gave me the confidence to keep working. I’m able to focus on my students, not my condition. I’ve never worried that I would be embarrassed or harmed if I had an episode at work thanks to Tracy’s commitment to my success. 
– Nominated by Julie Lane

Joslin Diabetes Center

Rachel Sharkey, Joslin Diabetes Center

Rachel is an intelligent, caring, and innovative diabetes nurse educator who works with all of the adult outpatients and also specializes in inpatient diabetes education at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Joslin Pregnancy Clinic, and community patient programing. Rachel makes sure her patients feel confident in managing the complexities of diabetes. In addition to providing outstanding care for individual patients, Rachel also excels at developing group and community education programs. Rachel created a Diabetes Education Escape Room that is used during patient programming. The Escape Room makes it fun, exciting, and challenging for patients to put their diabetes education into action. The program has received rave reviews from patients and staff alike. Rachel is a wonderful member of the education team and exemplifies the compassion, clinical competency, and advocacy that are essential to being an amazing nurse. – Nominated by Ashley Pickering Brown

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Melissa Ayer and Michele Mahan, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Melissa and Michele are outstanding nurses who bring excellent clinical care, professionalism, concern, and a sense of humor to a profession that has had a difficult time since the pandemic. I typically don’t look forward to any medical visit, but Melissa and Michele have a great way to put you at ease. They are a credit to nursing and to Beth Israel Lahey Health. – Nominated by Tom Killion

Marybeth Catania, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Marybeth gives 150 percent to her patients and colleagues and is always the first to offer to help others. She has been working in the department of radiation oncology for several years now after her inpatient years at Lahey. I can hear the kindness and patience in her voice when she’s with her patients or following up on the phone. She exudes compassion, which is especially important for patients battling cancer. She has raised a family of nurses, and when she’s not working here, she’s taking care of one of her many grandchildren. She is an amazing clinical resource thanks to all her years working as a nurse, and we are fortunate to have her. – Nominated by Laura Kenda

Linda Comfort, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Linda is a very caring and experienced clinician who keeps patients safe and advocates for them and her peers. She takes care of the whole patient, showing kindness and caring while teaching to keep them safe. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is very lucky to have this long-time, dedicated nurse on their team. – Nominated by Terry Bomal

Cynthia Gomez, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Cynthia is often our charge nurse and she leads by example. Her commitment to patient care is stellar. On one particular shift, she handled four admits and two basically simultaneous codes, among her other charge RN responsibilities. She often stays late to follow through with care and I believe she did that day, as well. Her clinical knowledge helped us get through those codes with grace and composure and she never faltered in helping out the primary nurse. She is an amazing leader that our newer nurses should emulate. – Nominated by Kimberly Silberkleit

Melissa Mavroides, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Melissa has been providing outstanding care for our dad over several years in an outpatient clinic. She is thorough, caring, and communicative during examinations and with follow-ups for labs or changes in status. We truly appreciate her kindness and attention to his medical needs. – Nominated by Alice Newell

Melissa Mavroides, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Melissa is brilliant, sweet, and compassionate. She has endless patience with challenging patients and families who are often facing the most difficult, daunting time of their lives. She specializes in patients struggling with heart failure, and they love her. She becomes like a trusted family member to them. She provides highly skilled, expert care designed specifically for each patient’s needs, constantly monitoring and modifying the plan. She is extraordinary in her intelligence and devotion to her patients and her team. I cannot count the times I have heard Melissa’s patients rave about hers. She is known throughout the hospital as an expert on heart failure. – Nominated by Nancy Todd

Arlene Stoller, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center

Arlene is a nursing educator whose passion for improving care for geriatric patients is inspiring. Arlene teaches new nurses on Day One that we all matter—patients and staff alike. Arlene makes sure that every new nurse feels welcome and is well-prepared to care for patients. In her free time, Arlene volunteers for nursing organizations to ensure that nurses across the country have access to best practices for geriatric care. We are all getting older, and Arlene is making sure that the care we receive will be the best it can be. – Nominated by Karri Davis

Maine Medical Center

Sophia Rago, Maine Medical Center

Sophia is nothing short of amazing. She’s thorough, kind, attentive, available when needed, and always receptive to questions and providing extra insight and help. She’s made my experience infinitely better and less stressful. Really grateful for her. – Nominated by Courtney Corbeil

Martha’s Vineyard Hospital

Desma Warren, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital

Every day, Desma shows how much her patients mean to her by going above and beyond to care for them and their families. She doesn’t hesitate to put the patients first and ensure their needs are met and all aspects of care are handled. The pediatrics department is truly blessed to have Desma as part of their team. – Nominated by Ashley Fauteux

Mass General Brigham Home Care

Crystal Augusta, Mass General Brigham Home Care

Crystal works as a clinical coach, helping to on-board new nurses. Crystal sets an excellent example of the highest level of care, documentation, and communication for her new nurses. She is knowledgeable and compassionate. Last Monday, I was asked to do a joint visit with Crystal, so I observed her bedside manner directly. She is a stellar role model for our new staff. – Nominated by Shannon Viera

Mary Buccieri, Mass General Brigham Home Care

Up until my mid-70s, I had never really had an illness that required extensive hospitalization and rehabilitation. In the hospitals I had fine attention and care. I felt safe. Upon returning to my home, where I lived alone in senior housing, I worried about my limited mobility, extreme weakness, serious weight loss, and a feeding tube — all connected to my current illness.

Mary came with home care and a ton of experience. I was scared. Mary was reassuring and calming; she had seen it before. My feeding tube—my nutrition lifeline—pulled out twice in the nighttime, and true panic set in. I could die or go through a painful procedure. Mary came immediately upon my frantic calls to her. When my knee continued to go wrong after surgery, Mary pushed the surgeon to give me better treatment. He was not happy, but Mary turned out to be right.

Mary cared for the physical and emotional needs of this older, alone patient. There was no greater sight than Mary, hefty traveling medical bag shouldered, coming toward my door across the parking lot. I felt safe again. – Nominated by Richard Murphy

Massachusetts General Hospital

Briana Busch, Massachusetts General Hospital

I got an emergent vascular case on my first shift after three months off, which also happened to be a night shift. I felt very out of place, but luckily Briana Busch was there help me. She is a wonderful, excellent nurse whom I’d trust with my family. Her practice is most caring and top notch, exceeding all expectations. Briana deserves to be the American Nurse Idol every day, not just the night I appreciated her help so much. – Nominated by Anna Hall

Laura Cameron, White 3 Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital

Laura went out of her way to make sure my pre-op, post-op, and recovery experiences went as smooth as possible. I had colon surgery and was in the hospital for the week. Laura’s professionalism made my hard experience much easier. – Nominated by Steve Santoro

Tim Campbell, MGH Transplant Department, Massachusetts General Hospital 

Tim shows excellent communication skills and advocates for me when I had a kidney transplant. Tim has been the go-to nurse for all my questions and communications for the doctors. He is always on the ball, getting right back to me. He is the most competent, caring, and knowledgeable person I have met in the transplant unit. – Nominated by Gail Weisberg

Rachel Carey, Massachusetts General Hospital

Rachel Carey was my dad’s night nurse during his last days on Ellison 16. Rachel filled the room with energy and matched my dad’s personality perfectly. I remember thinking, “he has met his match.” Rachel was kind yet confident. Her care for my dad and the relationship they created in such a short amount of time was amazing. My dad loved to banter and make people smile, and Rachel filled that role perfectly. Her knowledge kept us all at ease.  She comforted us when we needed it most and we are forever grateful for her. – Nominated by Samantha Lundstrom

Gino Chisari, Massachusetts General Hospital

Gino is the director of Mass General’s Norman Knight Nursing Center for Clinical and Professional Development, where he provides exemplary leadership to meet the ongoing educational needs for Patient Care Services staff and consults on educational needs within the hospital and wider community. He is a sought-after speaker for educational programs across health care professions and advances high-quality patient and family-centered care by working among health-care teams. Gino remains abreast of research and best practices and has the extraordinary ability to anticipate changes in health care, strategize about how to meet these changes, and then work with his team to develop innovative educational methods to address the changes. Gino also expertly represents the essence and value of the nursing profession and advocates for excellent patient care at Mass General, nationally and globally. He is a past president of the American Nurses Association Massachusetts and remains actively involved in advancing nursing through the association. Gino is the consummate professional nurse and role model. He is wise, kind, dedicated, and accomplished. Nursing leaders are not always recognized for the role they fulfill in providing a foundation for nurses to practice and a blueprint for nursing’s future. Gino deserves to be saluted. – Nominated by Carole MacKenzie

Kendra Connolly, Massachusetts General Hospital

Although we don’t work side by side, Kendra is a colleague who deserves a shout-out. Having practiced as a bedside oncology nurse for many years, Kendra does not forget her roots or her commitment to practicing safe patient care. She knows how challenging it is to become chemotherapy-certified in the acute care setting. It’s now even harder thanks to post-pandemic challenges. Inpatient oncology nurses often manage very complex patients. It can be challenging to balance the needs of their patients with the time it takes to thoroughly review the critical components of chemotherapy administration. In her clinical nursing leadership role as a nursing practice specialist, Kendra advocates for ways to minimize the risk of errors in chemotherapy ordering, preparation, and administration. Her understanding of the increasing demands of staff nursing makes her a strong advocate for patient safety. – Nominated by Joanna Krawiecki

Samantha Edwardh, Massachusetts General Hospital

Samantha Edwardh played a crucial role in the last days and hours of my dad’s life. My dad had Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of aggressive skin cancer that took his life less than 48 hours after diagnosis. Our family was in shock and completely shattered. Stricken with fear, we watched Dad take a room on Ellison 16. I vividly remember seeing the word “Oncology” as we exited the elevator and crossed the threshold of the unit. We were certainly not prepared for what would occur over the next few days. 

Samantha was in his room when we arrived. Sam was kind, soft-spoken, and had a smile so bright you could see it through her mask. She spoke directly to my dad, immediately picking up on his incredible sense of humor, and began to laugh with him. They were a perfect match. She was gentle with my mom, changing her humor to softness. She spoke slowly and deliberately to be sure we understood her role and what the next few hours would hold.  

I couldn’t know that Sam would play such a crucial role in holding my family together through the most difficult time of our lives. Sam worked endlessly to comfort my dad, care for him, and maintain his dignity, all while looking out for my mom and educating us along the way. She laughed with us, cried with us, held our hands, and even showed us dance moves that my dad had taught her. She was simply amazing. Sam had a way to keep us at ease as everything started to progress. She held our family together when we simply could not do it ourselves, and she stayed until my dad’s last moments.

Samantha Edwardh’s name will always remain with us. Every patient and family deserve her. Her work ethic, perseverance, kindness, and her smile. Her calmness in the middle of a horrific storm is admirable. She is a beautiful human being and I am forever grateful for the care and respect that she showed my mom and dad. I do not believe that Sam will ever understand how much she did for our family in those last hours. – Nominated by Samantha Lundstrom

Erin Fonseca, Massachusetts General Hospital

Erin is an incredible nurse and person in our family’s life. Our son has Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), has daily seizures, and has been through multiple brain surgeries. We work closely with his doctors but it is Erin who lives each day with us. She listens to our difficult questions and stress, and then kindly advises and strongly advocates for us. Every decision is a joint decision. These conversations do not just include medical care but school concerns, behavioral and social issues and family dynamics. 

She takes our emergency calls when his seizures are clustering or he is failing, and calmly, astutely guides us. She feels our heart ache and celebrates our little victories. The doctors we work with at MGH are no doubt incredible but I think what makes the Herscot Center above and beyond other TSC centers in the country/world, is the personalized nursing care that we receive. Erin deserves recognition for her exceptional nursing care. – Nominated by Corinne Imperatore

Ellen Francis, Neonatal ICU, Massachusetts General Hospital

We all know nurses are trained to care for the sick and vulnerable, but my family’s experience reminds us that nurses take care of much more than that. They also took care of two very anxious new parents of a baby that needed to be transferred to the Neonatal ICU. 

Our son, Owen, was born with some breathing difficulties and a pneumothorax. Our family was shaken when our local hospital Med-Flighted Owen to the MGH NICU. We couldn’t wrap our minds around the situation and were overwhelmed with emotions. The idea that our precious baby was less than healthy seemed unfathomable. The NICU nurses were exactly who we needed. Ellen was a calming presence during Owen’s admission. She made him comfortable, worked with the medical team to set up his immediate and long-term care plan, and kept us informed throughout the process. She was kind and patient with my husband’s questions, and she took the time to speak with me via video conference, since I was still admitted in another hospital. The entire NICU staff was incredibly impressive—professional, dedicated, and sympathetic. We can’t thank them enough. They took the time to understand what we needed beyond Owen’s medical needs and we will forever be grateful. – Nominated by Kaitlin Raboin

Brian French, Massachusetts General Hospital

Brian is the director of Mass General’s Maxwell and Eleanor Blum Patient and Family Learning Center and the Knight Simulation Program. He leads these programs and their staff with vision, compassion, and dedication to the best practices for educating patients, their families, and the staff providing care. Brian has championed implementing the principles of health literacy inclusively to meet the needs of people across generations, as well as across educational and cultural backgrounds. In doing so, health-care information is provided in a clear, safer, understandable, and respectful manner for all patients. The Knight Simulation Program affords interdisciplinary staff to apply knowledge and skills safely in clinical practice situations with expert guidance. Simulation is a valuable teaching tool to address the learning needs of our changing health care environment.  

Brian is compassionate, intelligent, and talented. Nurses returning to school for advanced degrees often seek his advice. Brian spends extra time meeting with students, reading scholarly proposals, and supporting and advising them to achieve their degrees. Through Brian’s mentoring, these nurses have gone on to become the next generation of accomplished nursing leaders. – Nominated by Carole MacKenzie

Leah Gordon, Massachusetts General Hospital

Leah Gordon has led racial equity and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for her colleagues since 2021. In those two years, Leah has been providing education and building skills on how to provide culturally appropriate care.

Her educational efforts are improving patient experience and health outcomes across MGH. – Nominated by Jarrod Chin

Judianne Henderson, Oncology Sarcoma Team, Massachusetts General Hospital

My son was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma and being treated at MGH in Boston. He needed a nurse to come to the house and access his port so he could have fluids in between his treatments. We couldn’t find a nurse to do that. When his sarcoma team got together to see what could be done, Judianne said she would come out and access his port so that he could stay home for a few days. She came after working a long day in Boston, and cared for him like a true angel. She did all this with no pay, just because she wanted what was best for my son. Judianne holds a very special place in our heart and we love her. She gave my son the chance to be at home during a very challenging time. My son loves to see his entire sarcoma team every 12 weeks. He says they are all like family to him. – Nominated by Nancy Gardner

Joanna Krawiecki, Massachusetts General Hospital

While we don’t work together directly, Joanna and I are colleagues. When I mentioned being anxious about my father’s knee replacement surgery and how he would cope with recovery, Joanna did not hesitate to provide information on post-operative recovery care. With her expertise in surgical trauma nursing for over 15 years, I knew I could trust her guidance. She obtained patient education materials and created packets that my father could easily follow and understand. Joanna also advocated for my father when he had trouble setting up outpatient physical therapy (PT) appointments due to confusion about insurance. My father needed a particular PT location that was easily walkable from his home, since he couldn’t drive yet. So, Joanna took the lead and researched the PT location he needed. She found out that they accepted my father’s health insurance, and he was able to book his weekly appointments without delay.  

Joanna’s compassion and caring nature eased some of those overwhelming feelings, and for that I thank her. – Nominated by Kendra Connolly

Meeghan Kummer, Massachusetts General Hospital

For 35 years, I have watched Meeghan work and tirelessly advocate for her patients. She’s the most compassionate ICU nurse I know. She takes time to sit with patients and families to learn their stories and how to help them as individuals. She always goes the extra step; whether it’s a simple hair wash or an old-fashioned backrub, Meeghan strives for excellence in her care and communication. She makes a point of learning everyone’s name and a bit about them, whether it be residents or fellow nurses. She’s warm and funny. In the last few years, she has had much heartache. She was diagnosed with cancer. She beat it as her mother struggled with another form of cancer and unfortunately lost her battle. When Meeghan returned to work, she had additional responsibilities caring for her elderly father. She worked overtime so she and her husband could put their six children through college. Despite all this, she always came to work ready to do her job and care for her patients.

Now, after more than 35 years, Meeghan has decided to retire. This will be a great loss for MGH. Many people believe that a nurse is a nurse—that they’re all the same. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that they are not. I know because I have worked with the best. And that is Meeghan Kummer.
– Nominated by Maureen Mahan

Annette Moore, Massachusetts General Hospital

Few individual nurses consistently demonstrate excellent patient care, reliability, compassion, collegiality, and just plain common sense. As a physician, I have worked with Annette for many years. I have watched her in many interactions and heard comments from hundreds of patients. She is the consummate nurse—intuitive, accessible, and creative. Mine is a busy internal medicine practice that spans the entire spectrum of wealth and background. For each patient, she provides individualized care. When necessary, she will begin her own investigation in order to find the best answers available. She knows how to work the system and achieve the best outcomes possible. I’ve had many nursing experiences over the past 45 years. Annette is in a class by herself. – Nominated by John Goodson

Tracey Shorr-Garrett, Massachusetts General Hospital

Tracey is a compassionate and outstanding nurse and manager who helped triage COVID and mpox needs over the past three years. She manages our staff, answers questions on the fly, and knows how to quickly find information. She also works in other roles as a nurse at MGH, bringing expertise and kindness into each role. Problem-solving in crises is a skill that should be saluted! Congratulations on wonderful work, Tracey – Nominated by Raquel Rein

Masuma Tavares, Massachusetts General Hospital

Masuma Tavares does not look like the nurses depicted in your ad because she doesn’t wear scrubs (at least, I have never seen her in any). She works with my primary care physician, Dr. Patricia Gibbons, and receives my emails and telephone calls as well as critical test results. She helps Dr. Gibbons help me. There have been so many times that Masuma tracked me down at work, called me after hours, and otherwise reached me so that I could receive critical care (sometimes when I don’t even know that I need it). I am amazed at her dedication and attention to the details of my health—as well as her memory for my complex medical history. She has called me in the evening to say that I must go to the emergency department for a test or take some other action. When I act surprised to hear from her, she says “But I am worried about your heart” (or the clot in your lungs, or whatever). She always sees these interactions through to completion. Her job isn’t easy, since she has many patients, but she is always positive, helpful, warm, and dedicated. Without her help, some patients (including me) would die or develop even worse illness. It takes all kinds of nurses, and she is superb at her job. – Nominated by Roberta White

Kevin Wallace, Massachusetts General Hospital

A dedicated RN for more than 25 years, Kevin currently faces his own health challenges, yet he continues to show up for his patients in need and puts them first to ensure the best care possible.
– Nominated by Lindsey Wallace

Mass General Medical Group

Bo Radziwon, Mass General Medical Group

We especially appreciate the skill and dedication Bo brings to her job. Both my wife and I are in the medical group that Bo is assigned to and we feel fortunate to have her looking after us. Even though she is always extremely busy, she makes us feel like we are her only patients. When one of us is prescribed a new medicine, Bo ensures that we follow the directions and follows up to check on our progress. She promoted the COVID-19 vaccines to help us escape the disease. Unfortunately, early last year we both became very ill with COVID. Bo, in 

conjunction with our primary doctor, arranged for us to get an infusion. Even though it was late Friday evening, Bo stayed long enough to ensure that we got on the list. It’s a joy to know that she is always there, making sure that our medical needs are taken of. We are totally happy that she is on our medical team, as she is truly a wonderful nurse. – Nominated by John Hogan

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Deb Perry, Massachusetts Department of Public Health

When I nominated Deb Perry last year, I had no idea what a challenging year it would be again for Northeast SANE. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program is facing the same nursing shortage as every other area of nursing. Deb Perry (“DATA Deb”), the SANE northeast coordinator and my supervisor, has met this challenge with all her energy. Deb wants a sexual assault patient to get the very best care available, so on top of all her data-collection and coordinator responsibilities she’s been going in at all hours to ensure these patients get the care they deserve. If SANE can’t come to the emergency department (ED) for the patient, then the ED is responsible for that care. As Deb says, “The ED staff nurses are already stretched and stressed — how can I NOT go in?” That’s my boss! She has her master’s degree in forensic nursing. She knows the ins and outs of this domain and is a hands-on expert. She also collects and analyzes data from the program for the whole state—thus, DATA Deb. All year long she supports all the Northeast SANE nurses so that we can give sexual assault patients the care they need. I could not continue to do this work if not for her expert support. She is a true quality leader in her field. Thank you, DATA Deb. – Nominated by Patricia A. Cooney

McLean Hospital

Kate Cederbaum, PACT Program, McLean Hospital

My 35-year-old son has been hospitalized numerous times since his schizophrenia diagnosis at age 21. In fall 2020 he was very sick and spent 10 weeks at McLean Hospital. Upon his discharge, I was fortunate to connect with the Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) for post-hospitalization care, which was critical to maintaining his health and improving the chance for his recovery. Kate, the nurse practitioner for PACT, is amazing in her knowledge of the illness, the medications, and the journey from severe illness to recovery. She has made an incredible impact on my son’s life … always listening to our concerns, monitoring medications, and looking for new ways to manage both. Of all the people we’ve worked with over the years, Kate is the one who has guided my son and me in a smooth transition to recovery. We continue to work with her, and I wish more individuals who suffer from this illness had access to her expertise and compassion. – Nominated by Joanne Thorndike

Kimberly Jewers, McLean Hospital

Kim is an incredible charge nurse — the kind that you can assign a task, and not only will it get done expediently, but you’ll also get a follow-up. I breathe a sigh of relief whenever she is on, because I know that the day will be much more tolerable with Kim around. What would we do without you, Kim?!
– Nominated by Alia Goodheart

Victoria Maxwell, McLean Hospital

Victoria routinely goes out of her way to ensure that patients have the best experience possible while they are hospitalized. She empathizes with patients and is dedicated to their care. She is amazing. Thank you, Victoria. – Nominated by Alia Goodheart

Michelle Wilson, McLean Hospital

A 20-year veteran of Mclean Hospital, Michelle is compassionate to all her patients, advocating for them and working diligently to help them. Michelle has a great work ethic in her role as a psychiatric nurse on an adult inpatient unit. She communicates with clinicians and families constantly. She is a wonderful nurse with endless energy. – Nominated by Karen Slifka

MelroseWakefield Hospital

Gilenesh Haile, MelroseWakefield Hospital

Gil has an amazing story of professionalism, expertise, advocacy, and resilience. I’ve worked with her for several years in the endoscopy department and am always impressed with her willingness to help her colleagues, the endoscopists we work with, our technical staff, and anesthesia (my department). Able to apply her specialized skills throughout the hospital, Gil can work in any department, contouring her vast knowledge as necessary. She practiced in Africa as a child psychologist and has brought that compassion to her adult population at Melrose, yet she continues to volunteer weekly with children in need throughout the community. Traveling with a cardiologist and his team for many years, she has provided relief to countless others internationally. Never willing to compromise her standards, she brings that high level to her nursing practice, and is always an advocate for enhanced communication and hard work. Active, healthy, and beautiful, it is her diversity that that brings us together in spirit. – Nominated by Donna Marie Pierce

Tara Nally, MelroseWakefield Hospital 

Tara has had a huge impact on me since starting here. Tara shows compassion and love to everyone. I am a patient care technician on the mother-baby unit, and Tara has encouraged me to go back to school and do great things. She listens to the needs and wants of her co-workers and, most importantly, her patients. Whenever someone is in need, she is first to be a helping hand. Tara is a nurse who deserves to be saluted. – Nominated by Donna Patricia Dandreo

MGH Institute of Health Professions

Biobehavioral Clinical Instructors, MGH Institute of Health Professions

I work with a group of nurses who generously give of their time to teach students on their inpatient psychiatric units. Coles, Tammie, Anneke, Barbara, Francisco, Nicole, Elyssa, Kerri, Danielle, Kameko, Bonnie, and Denise provide settings across the Boston area for students to learn more about mental illness and how we treat it. They’re like the postal service: Through snow, sleet, and working their other, often full-time jobs, they show up. They dispel stigma, they demonstrate caring, compassion, and openheartedly share immense storehouses of book-learning and practical application. I appreciate their work so much, and I know students do, too, as they consistently let me know how helpful their clinicals are. I want the whole community to know. – Nominated by Kate Kieran

Margie Sipe, MGH Institute of Health Professions

We usually think of nurses as caring for patients. But nurses desperately need care, support, and guidance to nourish and replenish our souls as we care for our patients. Margie is an incredible nurse educator and leader with a practice that centers on caring for nurses. Margie has developed, educated, and held almost every nurse leader in New England. She tirelessly and continuously models the importance of caring for each other, and for oneself. She is an outstanding advocate for advancing nursing practice, holding the professional nurse in her heart and touching each nurse individually to give us strength to continue to practice with care, empathy, and kindness. – Nominated by Mary Samost

Michael Lisnow Carter Hopkinton Respite Center

Robin Dahill, Respite Center in Hopkinton

My sister, Robin, has been a nurse at the Respite Center for over 25 years. She works with developmentally challenged as well as terminally ill children. Her caring, compassion, and HUGE heart are an inspiration to me and our entire family. The parents of these children rely heavily on her skill and purity of heart. She’s an amazing human being, nurse, sister, mother, and wife. I can’t say enough about how wonderful she is. – Nominated by Rick Reissfelder

Milford Regional Medical Center

Jillaine Kelley, Milford Regional Medical Center

I get treatment at this infusion site every week, and when Jill is working, sunshine radiates throughout the clinic. She is a skilled nurse who can successfully place an IV even though I’m considered a “difficult stick.” Jill’s joyful demeanor is contagious! I enjoy being around her, and that she treats me like a person, not a chart. She remembers when I had something going on, checks in with me, ask how my week was, and more. Jill is always ready to laugh with me, problem-solve medical challenges, or be a comfort during a tough time. In addition to the personal care, I also see how well she works with the rest of the clinic. When a call light goes on, the phone rings, an IV pole starts beeping, or vitals need to be taken, she jumps right in with a smile. Jill makes a big impact on the infusion suite and I feel blessed to have her as a nurse. – Nominated by Ali Rheaume

Editors: Spence & Sanders Communications, LLC.