Salute to Nurses 2017 Letters: Hospitals T-W

Taunton High School

School Nurses, Taunton High School
The nurses at Taunton High School are the best, most caring nurses around. After my daughter’s heart transplant, she would have (and continues to have) daily check-ins with the nurses at Taunton High. There, they would administer her medications and evaluate her for any problems. These nurses have shown excellent clinical skills by identifying potential problems and issues related to her heart transplant that otherwise would have resulted in a delayed diagnosis. They communicate with us about everything and have come to know my daughter very well and treat her like their own. My wife and I never have to worry about her while she is at school because we know that she is in the best of care. –Nominated by Michael Seaver

Town of Cohasset

Mary Goodwin, Town of Cohasset public health nurse/Boston Medical Center family medicine clinic
Mary Goodwin spends Monday through Thursday as the public health nurse in Cohasset, caring for the public, then on Fridays she works at the family medicine clinic at Boston Medical Center. I am often approached by friends and strangers about how they appreciate Mary’s service. She is amazing. I am her husband and writing is not my strongest talent. I find it outstanding that she can service two very different populations with such care and grace. –Nominated by Ron Goodwin

Tufts Medical Center

Liz Barnhart, Tufts Medical Center
Nurse practitioner Liz Barnhart has been providing my medical care for over 30 years. She has never failed to give me her undivided attention and never made me feel rushed. She remembers all the details of my life, even when it’s been a year between visits. She has consistently given me the best of care and advice and has referred me to a highly qualified specialist when necessary. I am extremely fortunate to have had the best of care for all these years. –Nominated by Susan Howe

Debra Chase, Tufts Medical Center
I was a patient at Tufts Medical Center on Jan. 31. I was very nervous about my procedure. My surgery required that I be still for five hours following it. I was introduced to nurse Debra Chase in the recovery room. She was so caring and made sure I was comfortable, warm, had something to eat and drink, and she continually checked my wounds. I knew I was in good hands and I cannot say enough good things about Debra. She even arranged to have my loved one see me prior to leaving due to a pending snow storm. Debra exhibits tremendous qualities of compassion and empathy, which she exhibited throughout the afternoon. She even introduced me to an alternate nurse who would take of me while she was away at lunch. Along with doctors, nurses are the face of your hospital. Debra has made a lasting impression. She is an angel from heaven. Thank you, Tufts Medical Center, for taking care of me and thank you, Debra Chase, for all your kindness and compassion. –Nominated by Kathleen Conti

Bonnie Corrigan, Tufts Medical Center
I had never been treated at Tufts Medical Center and was very nervous about my procedure. When I met Bonnie Corrigan, I sensed warmth and confidence and I knew I was in good hands. Bonnie took the time to get to know me and my loved one and thoroughly explained my procedure and what to expect. She even made me laugh. Bonnie understands human nature and what patients are going through prior to having surgery. She exhibited kindness, empathy, warmth, confidence, and professionalism. Due to a pending snow storm, Bonnie arranged to have my loved one see me post-op and in the recovery room before he traveled home. Bonnie cares about people. –Nominated by Kathleen Conti

Heather Cote, Tufts Medical Center
Heather Cote has been my nurse/heart transplant coordinator for four years. She has continuously shown compassion for the unique issues that plague a heart transplant patient. Her experience and wealth of knowledge in heart transplantation shine through with every clinic visit. –Nominated by Patrick Sullivan

Hannah Cunningham, Tufts Medical Center
I was at Tufts Medical Center from May 2 to 9, 2016, and again from May 17 to 21 on Proger 3. Hannah Cunningham was my nurse both times. I had many of the same nurses for each of the three shifts. Hannah really stood out. She instantly connects with the patient, allowing the patient to have trust in the care. She explained everything she was doing, starting at the bottom and working her way up so the patient could understand what was being done and why. She had given me a set of ear buds to use when I wanted to sleep since the hallway, and sometimes my roommate, could get very noisy. There were times when she’d see if my roommate or I (I had several each stay) could change rooms to make it easier for me to rest. Hannah asked questions of the other nurses to find out why they were doing something so that she could increase her knowledge and clinical competence. Hannah has a very happy, outgoing, bubbly personality but is very serious when it comes to delivering the best patient care at all times. –Nominated by Molly Cahill

Alyssa Gold, Tiffany Harrison, 6 North, Tufts Medical Center
On Nov. 2, I was admitted very unexpectedly to Tufts with heart issues. Turns out, I had a problem with one of my valves. Two wonderful doctors, Dr. Deeb Salem and heart surgeon Hassan Rastegar, were able to stabilize me and replaced my mitral valve with a mechanical valve. Pretty scary. I was admitted to 6 North, a cardio floor. I cannot say enough about all the nurses there, so professional. caring, and compassionate. These two nurses were there to calm me down, support me throughout the week before my surgery. Late at night when I would be so anxious, they would sit and talk with me. I cannot tell you how much that means to someone in a hospital, especially late at night when feeling the most alone. I also want to mention the nurses in the Cardio ICU who for four days after my open-heart surgery took such great care of me when I was feeling so overwhelmed by the whole situation. I always had respect for the medical community and what they do, but they are my new heroes. –Nominated by Gerald Morancy

Kerry Kelly, Tufts Medical Center
Kerry Kelly was the first nurse assigned to our mom in the Tufts MICU. She is a skilled nurse who showed my mom and my family compassion and care. She competently and gently cared for our mom physically and emotionally. She laughed with her and cried with her. She made herself available to us when she was working, and when she was off. When we had a question, she got the answer for us. When our mom was moved to the hospice floor, she visited us there. And when she passed away, Kerry visited us in our home. Kerry deserves to be recognized for her dedication to her job and her patients. –Nominated by Debbi Coran

Mona Kenneally, Tufts Medical Center
On Feb. 1, my father entered Tufts Medical Center for a triple bypass, valve replacement, and two other procedures that required extensive open-heart surgery. After 11 hours, the surgery was complete, and we were able to see him for a few brief moments in the Intensive Care Unit at 7 p.m. Little did we know that the nurse that we met briefly that evening, Mona Kenneally, would become an integral part of my father’s stay in the ICU and an amazing connection to our family as we walked through a very difficult time as my dad’s recovery began. We truly believe she was the angel sent to keep him alive that night.
It was Mona’s reassuring, caring, and calm personality that my mom and I truly appreciated. Her attentiveness to our needs and questions was unmatched, and her hopeful and honest delivery of information was a source of strength for us as we called and visited him on a regular basis. Her attention to dad’s needs, along with the outstanding care that she provided to him in keeping him comfortable and clean, was so reassuring. On Feb. 15, we received word that my dad would be moving from the ICU to the step-down cardiac care unit on the sixth floor. However, with that came the realization that he would be leaving a place that provided so much comfort for Dad and our family, much of which was provided by Mona. Without her, we are not sure we would have felt as comfortable and secure as we did. –Nominated by Kimberly Taylor

Beth Lane, Tufts Medical Center
She’s kind, she’s caring, not only for her patients, but also for her peers. This is an extraordinary woman, a true leader among her teammates in her practice, but also a true gladiator when it comes to protecting the rights of her peers. Beth is empathetic to her specific patient population and makes sure that they are well taken care of. Overall, a fantastic nurse, and colleague. –Nominated by Jennifer Mara

Danielle Lattari, Tufts Medical Center
My son was diagnosed with Burkitts lymphoma after having bowel surgery. Danielle Lattari became his primary nurse on the oncology unit, and followed us for his six months of treatment. She was beyond supportive to both my son and me during this difficult time. She always gave us 110 percent, be it extra time at the end of her shift, calling and ordering him food from a local restaurant when he wouldn’t eat the hospital food or anything I had brought in. And even making him a special treat for his last day in patient stay. As difficult as every treatment was, my son was willing to face it knowing Danielle was going to be there to see him through. She truly is an angel among the living and an exceptional example of what a great nurse is. –Nominated by Erica Brodie

Danielle Lattari, Tufts Medical Center, Floating Hospital for Children
Danielle Lattari has become a special part of my son’s life. Jackson was diagnosed in July 2015 with leukemia at 3 years old. Danielle has cared for him with such kindness and understanding for all of his autistic intricacies. She has read “Room on the Broom” endless times. She visits him when he is coming in for outpatient chemo and kisses him. He adores her. She has been a kind shoulder for me as well. She is down-to-earth, funny, intelligent, and such an asset to all of us when we see her. It hasn’t been easy over this last year and a half, and she has made it bearable. Thank you for all you do. –Nominated by Carolanne Pilcher

Gail Lennon, Tufts Floating Hospital for Children
Trey Mellor was born 12 weeks early and had a rough start to life. After birth, he got transferred to the NICU at Tufts, where Gail Lennon was his lead nurse. She was amazing, to say the least. She stayed by him through a few complications and helped him not only survive, but thrive. She always had the answers to our many questions and concerns. We could just feel the love that she had for being an NICU nurse. She took care of him like he was one of her own. We are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful nurse watch over and care for our baby boy through his long and strenuous 74-day NICU stay. –Nominated by Steven Mellor

Jane Lesanto, Tufts Medical Center
Jane Lesanto works as a nurse at the Tufts Medical Center Pain Management Center. I have been going to Dr. Wilfred Hynes at the Pain Management Center for a number of years, generally once or twice a year, and Jane is almost always the nurse who assists him. But I meet with her first. Jane is always pleasant, professional, and exudes a calmness that I wish more medical professionals had. In addition, she is a good listener and she is available for phone calls, post-appointment. Somehow, it all sounds very simple, but there must be something special about Jane that makes her stand out for me, because I don’t remember the names of all the nurses with whom I’ve come into contact over the years. She’s straightforward and no-nonsense, but in a kind way. I salute Jane’s professionalism and manner as a model for others. –Nominated by Sara Rubin

Pam Levy, Tufts Medical Center, Floating Hospital for Children
When I was 13, I was diagnosed with stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I spent a lot of time on the seventh floor of the Floating Hospital for Children. During that time, a nurse, Pam Levy, was a ray of light. Being in the hospital somehow didn’t seem so bad when Pam was on shift. She was so much more than a nurse. She was an advocate and a friend and a comedian and such a great support. During that time, I remember thinking, “What if I never get to have a first kiss, go to prom, graduate high school, go to college?” That was 18 years ago, and I am happy to report that I have done all those things (and more). Tufts/the Floating/Pam saved me. I ran into her in the cafeteria about a year ago and it was like seeing a long-lost friend—time doesn’t count in matters of the heart. Pam is still on Floating 7 and still the light in other people’s darkness. I hope she somehow sees this, and knows how much she mattered, still matters, 18 years later. –Nominated by Angela Fruzzetti

Darren Maggio, Tufts Medical Center
What can one say about Darren Maggio other than that he was simply amazing. He was in the OR during my mother’s surgery and was a godsend. Darren was so informative and reassuring during the whole process. He took his time in going over every step of the procedure and “dumbed it down” so we knew what he was saying. Once my mother was out of the OR, he checked in on her progress and even took time to talk to me and see how I was doing. He made sure he didn’t leave any questions unanswered and that we understood what he was saying. Darren, thank you for the care and compassion you showed my mother and family. –Nominated by Danielle Perrotta

Elizabeth Mobassaleh, Tufts Medical Center
Liz was my nurse throughout my chemo treatment at the Hematology/Oncology Department. Most days when I was in treatment, she was by my side. If she wasn’t there, I’d become scared. She was the only nurse who was with me at night until the 7th floor facility was ready to take me in. Thank you so much, Liz, for always being by my side and making my treatment at Tufts the best time ever. Now that I am in remission, I miss seeing you and all the other nurses and doctors. When I was diagnosed, I thought that I was never going to get better and that I’d be in treatment forever, but the love and support you and the other nurses gave me and my family made things go by in the blink of an eye. I wish you the best and hope that you give the same love you gave me to other patients. –Nominated by Shahil Patel

Cate Mullen, Tufts Medical Center
My husband, family, and I have had the privilege of working with Cate Mullen in the Breast Health Center since my breast cancer diagnosis in August 2016. As a 35-year-old new mother, this was quite a shock. Cate has exhibited a great deal of empathy, patience, and professionalism during my entire journey. She is truly sensitive to the challenges of going through cancer treatment while also caring for a toddler, and has always made sure we knew we could contact her at any time for questions and concerns. She also always includes my husband as an equally important part of this process. –Nominated by Katie Pecora

Susan Mullen, Tufts Medical Center
My daughter is not the most cooperative patient; she’s anxious and suffers panic attacks, which is stressful. So when she needed an upper endoscopy, I was not only nervous, I was also dreading how difficult a patient she would most likely be. The first time Susan Mullen called in August 2015 for pre-op, I broke into tears. She was so kind and caring and, most importantly, reassuring. Rachel went on to have three more scopes within the year, with her most recent being this past August. Each scope got better only because we had nurse Sue each time. She knew what had gone well and what hadn’t on previous scopes and advocated for Rachel to make things smoother. When Sue calls me a few days before Rachel’s procedures, I’m relieved to know she’ll be there with Rachel and that she truly cares about my daughter. It makes a world of difference leaving her on the table in the OR. Rachel will have more scopes in the future, and I hope nurse Sue will be there every time. She is the gold standard of nursing. –Nominated by Beth Roy

Barbara O’Connor, Tufts Medical Center
I was in a bad way after my knee surgery due to complications with the anesthesia. Upon my arrival to the PACU, Barbara O’Connor immediately sent someone to get my husband, knowing that, not only is he a physician, but it also would be the fastest way to ease my fears. I was very ill and didn’t really have my wits about me. Through it all, Barbara was absolutely amazing, with limitless patience, kindness, and compassion. I was in the PACU for about seven hours and she was with me the entire time, anticipating my every need. What struck me most about Barbara was her empathy, she validated every tear I shed and did not judge. Even though I knew I was not her only patient, she made me feel like I was. Barbara is a lovely, lovely woman and definitely should be recognized for the wonderful work she does. –Nominated by Pam Hajjaj

Audrey Power, Tufts Medical Center
Audrey Power is a clinical nurse leader on labor and delivery at Tufts Medical Center. She has worked there for 24 years and as a nurse for over 30. Audrey is a calming presence to families in the most emergent situations. Sixty percent of Tufts’ labor and delivery population is considered high risk with many families hoping for the best and fearing the worst. Caring for families during this frightening time is challenging.
Audrey acknowledges what these families need emotionally and physically. The ability to take a patient’s hand as she arrives in an ambulance with her vulnerable baby at risk of survival is far more complex than it would appear. At that moment in time, this is all that matters. The management of a labor and delivery has been equated to conducting a symphony and Audrey is the consummate conductor. Operating as a team is vital to the safety of patients, and Audrey connects the web of care to build strength in a chaotic environment. –Nominated by Linda Potts

Maureen Psyhogeos, Tufts Medical Center
I have worked side by side with Maureen Psyhogeos for almost 20 years, and it is with great pride and honor that I submit her name to be recognized as one of Massachusetts’ and, more specifically, Tufts Medical Center’s finest nurses. She is fastidious in her quest to provide the very best care for patients. The last several years, we have seen so many young nurses enter the field. She has led in the force to nurture them. Late last year, I watched her step up to the plate to donate one of her kidneys to her husband, who was then in late stage renal failure. I have never seen her more scared nor more brave. They have both recovered well and, without missing a beat, she has returned to work doing what she loves to do best, caring for the sick. –Nominated by Nerrissa Shurtluff

University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center

Cynthia French, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center
Cynthia French is a remarkable nursing professional. She has worked selflessly and tirelessly advocating for pulmonary, allergy, and critical care patients. She has made home visits that hospitals have long abandoned financial support for. She has advised many patients and colleagues on how to apply the most recent advances in health care, whether during an acute illness, hospitalization, or in a community setting. She has sacrificed her home life through working long hours and reading scientific literature to maintain her knowledge base. She has most recently assisted me in caring for my brother, who has suffered through many years of cancer treatments and surgical interventions, supporting me emotionally and ensuring proper medical care for him. Without her dedication, I would have felt lost. –Nominated by Diane Lavin

Alyssa Schnabel, UMass Memorial Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
My niece Alyssa Schnabel has been a caring and compassionate nurse for 18 years. Her career has included working with heart transplant patients who have been given a new lease on life and also in a neonatal intensive care unit working with incredibly fragile infants. Patients and their families marveled at her skill and her bedside manner. She exhibited the ultimate expression of caring when she donated one of her kidneys to her dad (my brother). Her heroic gesture saved his life.
With the support of their amazing team of nurses and doctors, both my niece and my brother are doing incredibly well. Her selfless gesture has made us all very proud. In addition to being a nurse, she is also an incredible daughter, a loving sister, a mom to three remarkable children, a wonderful wife, a delightful niece, and last, but certainly not least, a kidney donor. –Nominated by Kathy Maister

VA Boston Healthcare System

Kathi Sullivan, VA Boston Healthcare System
Kathi Sullivan is a telephone coordinator in the Boston VA Tele-Health Department, and her responsibility is to monitor my health care needs on a daily basis. Her department is a unique feature of the VA System. It is composed of a group of registered nurse professionals who gather daily patient-provided data (e.g., blood pressure and weight data) and contact the patient if any readings are out of line. In addition, these nurses are there to assist with medication information and referrals when needed. Kathi is at the top of her game as far as patient care is concerned. If my vitals are unusually high or low, I can expect to get a call from Kathi. I have never met her in person but, when others in the VA see that I am a Tele-Health patient and they ask who my coordinator is, those who know her praise her work and her sincere willingness to help her disabled veteran population. I consider myself fortunate to have Kathi on my side every day. –Nominated by Robert Whitten

VA Medical Center, Boston

Karen Feeney, VA Medical Center, Boston
My wife, Karen Feeney, has been taking care of veterans at the VA Medical Center in Jamaica Plain for almost 20 years. I have seen her travel in blizzard conditions, miss out on school events, leave her own sick family members, and skip special family gatherings to honor her commitments to her patients and coworkers. She believes in helping and educating others about the importance of colon cancer screening and will talk to complete strangers about having a colonoscopy. I’ve watched her come home exhausted from helping others many times. –Nominated by Patrick Feeney

VA Hospital, West Roxbury

Alianie Costas, VA Hospital, West Roxbury
Alianie Costas is my roommate and an outstanding nurse. She has served in the burn victims unit at various hospitals in Massachusetts, including Massachusetts General Hospital for two years. Currently, she works as a night nurse in the VA hospital in Roxbury. In addition to her hard work in US hospitals, she has served with Mercy Ships (similar to Doctors Without Borders) overseas in Africa, India, and Haiti, where she has performed and assisted with surgeries for women with fistula and children with cleft lips, skin repair on burn victims, and other surgical needs. When patients pass, she often sends a letter to the family letting them know how blessed she was to work with their loved one. She uses her heart for serving the hurting by caring for their medical needs in a way that is tender, personal, and competent. –Nominated by Bonnie Gatchell

Veterans Administration Nationwide

All Nurses, Veterans Administration Nationwide
Every nurse in every VA facility in the nation deserves kudos for their work with veterans and doctors. –Nominated by Chester Suchecki

Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod

Jackie Donnelly, Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod
Jackie Donnelly has taken exceptional care of my aging parents, Mary and Edwin Denty. She gives her time, compassionate smile, and patience when needed. Without her help, we could not do the things we do, from taking them to doctor appointments and making dinners to helping them with their daily routines. She does this in-between her work schedule. I would like to nominate my sister, Jackie Donnelly, for recognition. –Nominated by Donna Parker

Nurses, Visiting Nurse Association of Cape Cod
As a visiting nurse, I believe we all need recognition. We are in people’s homes teaching them how to prevent exacerbation of their disease processes. It’s easy to just go to the hospital every time you have an ailment. Going home is different with a visiting nurse by your side to ensure you get to stay home and manage your symptoms. –Nominated by Marcy Cushing

VNA Boston

Angela Lee, VNA of Boston
Angela Lee has been a visiting nurse with us for over 20 years. She services the downtown area, primarily the vast Asian community in Chinatown and the South End. As a colleague of Angela’s, I have the pleasure of interacting with her daily. Her compassion and empathy for her patients shine brightly. She also speaks Cantonese; being able to communicate with this patient population in their own language is essential to the care she provides. Her knowledge in the home care setting and being able to adapt to all circumstances has taught me as much as any clinician. Her positive energy and calm presence are gifts that are not taught in the classroom. –Nominated by Katherine Riley-Shlien

Walden Behavioral Care

Ellen Miller, Walden Behavioral Care
It is without hesitation I nominate this very special nurse. Ellen Miller is a staff nurse on the psychiatric unit of our hospital. She makes our patients comfortable and is often cited positively in the patient satisfaction surveys. She easily forms bonds of trust with her patients. She demonstrates a real empathy for patients and shows genuine joy in their successes even if they are small ones. She spends the extra time needed to put patients at ease and is sensitive to their anxieties and insecurities. She is often sought out by new and seasoned nurses and serves as a role model for others. –Nominated by Lucille Force

Walden Health and Rehabilitation

Jane Hannon, Walden Health and Rehabilitation
I am 23 and have been in a skilled nursing facility for a year and a half. You can imagine how lonely and scary this is, especially being as young as I am. Ninety-nine percent of the patients are a minimum of 70 years old. Not only do I struggle with medical conditions that placed me here, but I also suffer from anorexia, depression, and severe anxiety. Health care providers often brush me off as being “dramatic” or “annoying” or “incurable.” Some see me as a number and just another patient. But this hasn’t been my experience with Jane Hannon. She looks at me for who Rebekah truly is. I’m not a number to her or just a patient. I’m a human being who needs support like many other people do. I can’t count the number of times she has taken time out of her day to calm me out of a panic attack or help me think more clearly when my anorexia is strong. And this is not what she signed up for. Her job description is to pass out medications to the elderly and make sure they’re alive. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t survive being at this place. She teaches me that I’m more than my diagnosis, I’m more than a number on the scale or a number on an itchy tag in my jeans. She reminds me every day that I’m worthwhile and deserving of love and happiness. To me, that is one of the most valuable things any young woman can be taught. She shows me what it is like to truly live. I forever thank my “Mother Hannon.” I’d probably be dead today without her continued support. –Nominated by Rebekah Georgy

Waltham Crossings

John Erickson, Waltham Crossings
John Erickson made a career change to be in this field. My 91-year-old mother is in his care at this assisted living. Nursing care is critical in this setting and requires daily follow-up with the residents. My mother goes through periods of needing more care than usual, and John is always there to make sure she receives her medication, checks for fluid retention and heart issues. Most importantly, he calls me to tell me how my mother is doing when she isn’t well. He works very hard and is always professional and pleasant. When he doesn’t think my mother is doing well and has a question, he doesn’t hesitate to spend the time to call her physician so he can be better informed. He makes sure that my mother eats when she isn’t well and engages in conversation. My mother has only positive things to say about him and how she trusts him to take care of her. She doesn’t always remember who has been assisting her, but always remembers John and how patient and thoughtful he is. It is a special person who can work in assisted living and stay upbeat and caring. John Erickson is one. –Nominated by Carol Foltz

Wentworth Douglass Hospital

Ashley Beaumier, Wentworth Douglass Hospital Birth Center
I had the most amazing support while I was giving birth to my son. I am also a nurse and specialize in women’s health. My labor nurse Ashley Beaumier was my biggest cheerleader (next to my husband). I help women myself prepare to give birth. Now having been on the other side, I’m not sure I could have done it without her. Her compassion, knowledge, support, and determination to get this baby out during my 28-hour labor, while I was in my most vulnerable state, is something I will never forget. I hope and pray every woman has the chance to have the emotional and physical support I had while bringing my beautiful son into the world. –Nominated by Jenna Pray

Staci Clark, Wentworth Douglass Hospital
Although I had many wonderful nurses during my labor experience, Staci Clark was the one who sticks in my mind. Throughout my pregnancy, I feared the epidural needle. On the day my son was born, she was just starting her shift. She made the experience calm and like it was no big deal. I’m not sure how I would have gotten through without her. She took care of me throughout that day and, unfortunately, her shift had ended by the time I was ready to push. She chose the perfect career for herself. –Nominated by Chelsea Bertrand

Kathy McCarthy Quinn, Wentworth Douglass Hospital, GYN Oncology Program
Oct. 10 was the long-awaited day when I received the “all clear” from my oncologist, Dr. John Schorge. The event did not go unnoticed, as “graduation day” was marked by the sound of nurse Kathy McCarthy Quinn singing “Pomp and Circumstance” as she rounded the corner, beaming that smile that had warmed my heart and calmed my fears many times during the previous two-and-a-half years. She had stood guard over every aspect of my care during a journey that often felt unreal and equally as often, terrifying. She consistently demonstrated a high level of clinical competency, with obvious concern and compassion, and always a ready smile and quick sense of humor.
She offered acceptance and understanding when my mind would go blank. I’d start babbling, and simple instructions like “you can get dressed now” would confuse me. She manages a very busy practice where a week’s worth of clinical visits have to occur in two days. The hours are long and intense, the paperwork daunting, but you’d never know it, ever. I always loved how after the paperwork was finished, she would turn to me, knee to knee, face to face, and with full attention, we’d talk. About everything. My fears, the “why’s,” and the clinical details. –Nominated by Cathy Burton

Taylor Xenos, Wentworth Douglass Hospital
Taylor Xenos has all the characteristics you would hope for in a nurse. She is compassionate, caring, and extremely in tune with the needs of her patients, and always smiling. –Nominated by Corry Jennison

Whidden Hospital/Hallmark Health

Jacqueline MacKay, Whidden Hospital/Hallmark Health
This nurse not only shows compassion to her patients but performs excellent care. Jacqueline MacKay has been a loving, caring nurse in the emergency room for more than 20 years. She is not only dedicated to her profession, she also truly fits the definition of a caring, loving nurse who truly loves what she does. I have personally never heard one negative word about her, and she is loved by her co-workers. –Nominated by Maureen Vietmeier

Winchester Hospital

Stacey Lococo, Winchester Hospital
Stacey Lococo was my labor and delivery nurse my second day in labor. It was probably my toughest day of labor and she was amazing. She showed so much care and compassion. She was constantly checking on me, making sure I had everything I needed. She was great to just talk to and have someone who sat with me while my husband couldn’t. Before the shift change, she wished me the best of luck and told me she may be in the next day due to a snow storm. I honestly was sad for the shift change because I had grown so comfortable with her. The next morning came and she had been called into work. I had a different nurse but she still made the effort to check in. I ended up having a C- section. And she asked to be the baby nurse in the delivery room. She was so awesome. She let me and my husband understand everything. When the baby was born, she took her right away, and was so attentive to the baby’s needs. She showed my husband how to hold her. I was transferred to the mother-baby unit that night. The following Tuesday, the baby and I were still there recovering and she came to see how we were doing. –Nominated by Abby Wells

Bruce Lothrop, Winchester Hospital
Bruce is a family member, and what is important is that he is a resource for all kinds of medical guidance, not only in the family but in the community. He is well credentialed in many areas of nursing, though he presently specializes in surgical nursing. –Nominated by Gordon Lothrop

Mary O’Connor and Joseph Viveiros, Winchester Hospital
In order for nurses to truly care for others, they have to nurture themselves. If they are fortunate enough to work with a team whose culture consists of attentive, unconditional, supportive care, they are blessed. This past June, I was a recipient of endless kindness and love from my peers.
My husband has been in and out of remission for prostate cancer for almost eight years. This aggressive cancer returned after he had undergone numerous treatments. His medical oncology team determined he had a 15 percent chance of beating it if he immediately underwent chemotherapy and hormone suppression therapy. This was a huge commitment for us both. We were devastated, scared, and yet hopeful. We had numerous things to worry about, but there were two worries I did not have: time off from work to care for him or job security. I called my assistant nurse manager. She immediately conveyed compassion and a readiness to assist. She researched and then communicated to me about programs where the hospital could assist and provide me with the time off. I was able to care for my husband and return to work worry-free. Two of my peers, Joe Viveiros and Mary O’Connor, covered my work responsibilities without hesitation. I am forever grateful for all they did. –Nominated by Susan Carzo

Operating Room Team, Winchester Hospital
I wanted to write this nomination because I work with a group of exceptional nurses and scrub technicians. The Winchester Hospital OR Team cares and advocates for each other and, most importantly, our patients. If a team member is sick or caring for a sick family member, the team will organize funds, write cards, and put together care packages. If a complex patient has additional needs, the team will become resourceful, stay late, come in on their days off, switch shifts, and then provide wonderful, safe, quality care. The team consistently keeps our patients at the center of our conversations, particularly when we are making changes in the Operating Room. I feel privileged to be working alongside these professionals, and I learn from them each day. They strive to be better and always do what is best for our patients. The Winchester Hospital OR Team should be commended for the complex and outstanding care they provide. –Nominated by Stephanie Thomas

Wingate at Melrose (Closed)

Amy Bartlett, Wingate at Melrose (Closed)
In April 2016, my partner, Roseann, a dedicated educator who had a gift for teaching students with disabilities, was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer that took her life in October. It was a devastating circumstance for all who knew and loved her. However, there was a silver lining along this tragic journey—the wonderful relationship my partner and I formed with Amy Bartlett, who cared so sweetly and skillfully for both of us during this most desperate time. With all that cancer took from my partner—her ability to enjoy a meal, walk on her own, and think clearly, the special care provided by Amy always gave us hope and a warm feeling about the goodness of humanity. Her presence was a gift from above that gave us strength during each and every precious day we spent together. –Nominated by Colleen McBride

Women’s Care, Inc., Women and Infants Hospital

Linda Nanni, Women’s Care, Inc., Women and Infants Hospital
Linda Nanni is a certified nurse midwife who works in Providence and wholeheartedly believes in the nursing philosophy and the holistic care of women, especially during birth. She has more than 30 years of experience as a nurse midwife, and her passion for this field and for the betterment of the health care of women is shown through how she interacts with her patients and the way she advocates for her patients’ rights. Linda believes in the power of women and their ability to give birth without medication, or even with medication, and empowers them through her patience, encouragement, and bedside manner. I have observed Linda stay with a patient and support her all night. She walked hand-in-hand with the patient during labor for hours, rubbing her back during contractions, assuring her when she became worried about her baby’s progress, and bolstering her confidence to give birth to a beautiful baby girl. All of this while making sure the patient’s birth plans and voice were being heard. She is the epitome of compassion and this is evident during her time with patients in the labor room and in the office. She was instrumental in the growth of midwifery in Rhode Island. Her relationships with some patients span decades and the love is reciprocated. –Nominated by Ana Sofia De Brito