Although the nomination process has closed, the three honored nurses will be announced and saluted in a special "Salute to Nurses" section in The Boston Globe on May 11th. Don't miss it! Featured nominations: Julie R. of Brigham & Women's Hospital Recently my family and I were faced with the horrible news that I may have cancer. At any age, never mind 24 years old, this news is devastating. The next 2 months were spent attending various appointments at Dana Farber and Brigham and Women's when the news came that I would need to have abdominal surgery to remove 2 tumors. On February 14, 2005 I was admitted to Brigham and Women's hospital to have the tumors removed. I wish I could nominate all of my nurses from pre-surgery through recovery. I was comforted in ways that come second only to that of family members. I spent what would have been an agonizing 4 days in the hospital recovering had it not been for Julie and the other nurses on 7B. Julie was extremely responsive as well as compassionate even though she was inundated with other patients. My comfort levels physically and emotionally were always concerns of hers even during her 18-hour shifts. Not only was she attentive to my needs during recovery but the needs of my family as well. She answered any questions we had completely and swiftly. I could not have asked for a better team of nurses during my stay at Brigham and Women's but I am especially thankful for Julie. -Carolyn Fleming Nursing Staff - SICU of South Shore Hospital My husband was brought to South Shore Hospital with a severe bleed in the brain. The nursing staff showed incredible empathy and professionalism to our children, family, and friends as we watched his condition worsen. Their treatment of my husband to the very last moment was above and beyond what we could have reasonably expected. I was kept aware of his status by phone calls when I was away from the hospital, and the nurses often sought me out in the cafeteria, waiting room, etc. when his status changed. I will forever be in their debt, and thank them for making the last weeks of his life as comfortable as possible. His charge nurses will be in our thoughts always. -Riina Viise Joan S of HCHP Kenmore Joan has shown me kindness and compassion over the past 18 months. I have Breast Cancer and receive weekly treatments. Joan always spends time visiting with me when I am at treatment. She not only gives me outstanding medical care, but she cares about me as a person. She remembers personal stories that I have told her. For example, my dog needed surgery and she made a care package for me. This is one of many stories I could share with you. Last summer I wanted to go on vacation for 4 weeks. Joan worked extremely hard to make certain that I could have treatment while traveling. It was very complicated to get my health care company to approve it. Going for treatment each week is very hard. Joan has made it a little easier. She has made HCHP Kenmore feel like a second home. I dare say I miss her when I miss a treatment. -Nancy Pollock Helen L. of Dana Farber Cancer Institute When I was going through breast cancer treatment at Dana Farber Helen Lee was assigned to me as my oncology nurse. I needed 8 weeks of chemotherapy and was scared of the side effects that the treatment causes. The first couple of treatments they need to keep a close eye on you to make sure you don't have an allergic reaction to the drug. Helen was so amazing with me. Each time I went to treatment Helen was always there with positive reinforcement. I knew I was in great hands. She knew how to calm my nerves and sat with me throughout my cancer treatment. She was extremely knowledgeable about breast cancer, and any questions that I had, she always knew the answer. I always felt that I was in wonderful hands she made a bad experience a good one. I keep in touch with her and I remind her that I will never forget the kindness she showed me. -Annmarie Connors 7 East Nurses of Lahey Clinic I am writing on behalf of my Aunt Susan "Suzy" and her family. Suzy suffered a strok on November 17, 2004 where she resided in Bermuda with her husband. We were able to bring her to Lahey Clinic and she was further diagnosed with lung cancer with metastasis. Despite doing well with rehabilitation and moving into our family's home, Suzy suffered another set back, encephalitis. Suzy was readmitted to Lahey Clinic on February 1, 2005. The nurses on 7 East, especially Shannon P., Rebecca D., Karen F. and Jean have been absolutely amazing to Suzy, her husband Gordy and our entire extended family. These nurses have spent countless hours attending to Suzy's every need, no matter how small. They have shown such compassion, care and knowledge during such a critical time - not just in Suzy's needs but our own. It didn't matter who we were - husband, brother, niece, nephew, or a dear friend - they comforted every one of us. They would often spend time just talking with us, even when their shifts had ended. As I write this, I wonder how to thank all these wonderful people for helping Suzy on her final journey. I am sure all these nurses will say they are just doing their job but we, Suzy's family, know better. They have gone above and beyond the call of duty. They have allowed Suzy to pass peacefully with dignity and comforted all those who loved her. For that, there will never be enough words of gratitude and thanks. To all these amazing nurses and those that are unnamed, the family of Suzy is forever grateful. -Kristin Imperillo Patrick L. of Children's Hospital Boston My 17 year-old son was a patient at Children's Hospital in Boston for over 4 weeks. He was diagnosed with a rare disease, which turned his world around from that of a healthy athlete to a patient faced with a disease with no certain outlook. Patrick was his nurse during this time and to us, he was heaven sent. Patrick took time to explain procedures and tests to our son who had never been a patient in a hospital before. Patrick treated him with respect and was always mindful that he was 17 and treated him accordingly. Patrick would patiently answer any questions we had and find answers to any questions he did not know. He spent time discussing sports and suggested movies and other resources the hospital had to offer to help pass the time. Patrick made our entire family more comfortable. He is a compassionate, knowledgeable and caring nurse who deserves recognition. We will always be grateful to Patrick for the wonderful care he gave our son. -Sheila Ventresca Kelley G. of Shriners Burns Hospital - Boston Kelley is currently our Inpatient Nurse Manager on the Acute Care Unit at Shriners. She is a dedicated nurse who is constantly advocating for her patients and her staff. Kelley provides a professional environment for her nurses and yet she is constantly aware of the need to keep her nurses motivated and valued. Although in a management position, Kelley is the first nurse to step up to the needs of the pediatric units. She will work off shifts if the need arises. It is not unusual to arrive in the morning and see Kelley finishing a night shift when the unit needed extra staff. She works shoulder to shoulder with the nurses in her charge and always recognizes their needs. The children of Shriners are well served by this dedicated nurse. "The patient comes first" is not just a motto for Kelley; it is her way of life here at Shriners Burns Hospital. -Barbara McCone Elizabeth of Youville Rehabilitation Hospital I want to nominate Nurse Elizabeth (Beth) of South 3 Third Floor Nurses Station at Youville Rehab and Hospital - 1575 Cambridge Street - Cambridge, MA 02138. I was having blackouts and injured myself severely. I had to have a pacemaker put in me on January 9, 2004 by Thomas Risser, M.D at Cambridge Hospital. I went to Youville Hospital for Rehab. My primary nurse was assigned by the name of Beth. I was very sick. I was bedridden. I could not walk or stand. I thought I would never walk again. Beth said, "I will help you get better." She spent almost all her time exercising me. She kept pushing me harder until I could walk again and stand up. She walked me all over Youville Hospital. I am 83. Without Beth's help, I would never have made it. When she was done for the day, she came to my room and asked me if I wanted anything until she came back the next day. Thanks to Beth and the staff at Youville Hospital, I was discharged on January 6, 2005. I am almost back to my old self. -Arthur J. Callahan Kelley A. of Brigham & Women's Hospital On Dec. 6th our son was med-flighted to BWH. It never occurred to us that we might lose him to pneumonia. Even though Kelly never really got to know Scott and his smiles, she cared and knew he was a wonderful young man, who was loved by many. During the next 9 days, Kelly was with him, and us, much of the time. She allowed us to stay with Scott as much as we needed and she was always explaining each procedure. She interpreted the doctor's explanations and encouraged us the best she could in a dire situation. She was welcoming to family and friends who visited and gave us privacy when we needed it. Kelly was respectful, compassionate, understanding, and competent. She did everything possible to take gentle care of our very special boy. She took care of us, too, and was always available for a good hug. Kelly even made some difficult phone calls for us. We will remember Kelly as someone who was a part of Scott's final days, and the tender care she provided. PS. We would also like to recognize Karen Meyers for her genuine concern and kindness to our family. -Liz Darby Carla R. of Greater New Bedford Health Clinic Carla J. Roderick is the most compassionate and caring person. She goes the extra mile to help her patients. She listens and understands their needs and is more than just a nurse at times. She helps those who are less fortunate and never gives up on a person. She works with pregnant women, who have a wide range of health issues from HIV/AIDS, drug addiction and physical abuse. She does this on a daily, even weekend basis. She finds the time to when there is no time to lecture to young women about the risks and consequences of unhealthy relationships that can lead to numerous health risks. She is determined and very passionate about her work. She deserves to be recognized for the person she is to so many. -Robyn Fernandes Read more featured nominations