September 2026 Honoree
Nicole Del Carmen Lopez, RN
I want to recognize Nurse Nicole for the exceptional care and compassion she showed during my stay. Nicole went above and beyond to ensure I felt heard and supported. She took the time to clearly explain my treatment plan, answered my questions patiently, and advocated for me by reaching out to my doctor about my concerns. Nicole also arranged a surprise visit from the auxiliary service dogs, Chance and Sadie. My own dog passed away, and I miss her every day. Spending time with Chance and Sadie brought me tremendous comfort, joy, and healing. Nicole’s kindness, empathy, and willingness to go the extra mile reminded me that people still care and never hesitate to do the right thing. She made a lasting impact on my recovery, and I will always be grateful for the compassion she showed me. Please extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Nicole for the outstanding care she provides. She is truly an extraordinary nurse and a wonderful representative of JFK.
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I am honored to nominate Nicole Del Carmen for the DAISY Award because she embodies everything extraordinary nursing represents. During one of the most difficult times of my hospitalization, Nicole made me feel like I mattered. She went far beyond providing excellent clinical care—she cared for me as a whole person. She took the time to sit with me, listen without rushing, answer every question with patience, and clearly explain my treatment plan so I understood what was happening. Her calm demeanor and genuine compassion replaced my fear with hope and confidence. When I expressed concerns about my care, Nicole didn’t simply acknowledge them—she became my advocate. She contacted my physician to ensure my questions were addressed and that my concerns were heard. Knowing someone would speak up for me gave me tremendous comfort during a vulnerable time.
One act of kindness will stay with me forever. After learning that I had recently lost my beloved dog and was struggling with that loss, Nicole arranged a surprise visit from the hospital’s therapy dogs, Chance and Sadie. That thoughtful gesture had nothing to do with medications or procedures, yet it became one of the most healing moments of my hospitalization. Spending time with those dogs brought me joy, peace, and comfort during one of the hardest seasons of my life. Nicole recognized that healing involves more than treating a diagnosis—she cared for my heart as much as my body.
Nicole never made me feel like just another patient. She consistently took the time to sit with me, check in, and make sure I understood every step of my care. Her presence was reassuring, her compassion genuine, and her kindness reminded me that some healthcare professionals truly see and value the people behind the diagnosis. Nicole’s extraordinary care left a lasting impact on my recovery.
Because of her, I felt heard, respected, safe, and supported. She transformed what could have been a frightening hospital experience into one filled with trust, compassion, and hope. Although Nicole is a new graduate nurse, she exemplifies professionalism, clinical excellence, and servant leadership well beyond her years. She has embraced the role of Patient Experience Champion on 2 East and consistently models Commit to Sit during bedside shift report, admissions, medication education, and discharge teaching. She understands that healing begins with human connection and demonstrates that commitment with every patient she serves. Nicole is the nurse every patient hopes to have in their most vulnerable moments. She is an extraordinary advocate, compassionate caregiver, and outstanding representative of Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center. Without question, Nicole Del Carmen deserves the DAISY Award.
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I am honored to nominate Nicole Del Carmen for the DAISY Award because she embodies everything extraordinary nursing represents. During one of the most difficult times of my hospitalization, Nicole made me feel like I mattered. She went far beyond providing excellent clinical care—she cared for me as a whole person. She took the time to sit with me, listen without rushing, answer every question with patience, and clearly explain my treatment plan so I understood what was happening. Her calm demeanor and genuine compassion replaced my fear with hope and confidence. When I expressed concerns about my care, Nicole didn’t simply acknowledge them—she became my advocate. She contacted my physician to ensure my questions were addressed and that my concerns were heard. Knowing someone would speak up for me gave me tremendous comfort during a vulnerable time.
One act of kindness will stay with me forever. After learning that I had recently lost my beloved dog and was struggling with that loss, Nicole arranged a surprise visit from the hospital’s therapy dogs, Chance and Sadie. That thoughtful gesture had nothing to do with medications or procedures, yet it became one of the most healing moments of my hospitalization. Spending time with those dogs brought me joy, peace, and comfort during one of the hardest seasons of my life. Nicole recognized that healing involves more than treating a diagnosis—she cared for my heart as much as my body.
Nicole never made me feel like just another patient. She consistently took the time to sit with me, check in, and make sure I understood every step of my care. Her presence was reassuring, her compassion genuine, and her kindness reminded me that some healthcare professionals truly see and value the people behind the diagnosis. Nicole’s extraordinary care left a lasting impact on my recovery.
Because of her, I felt heard, respected, safe, and supported. She transformed what could have been a frightening hospital experience into one filled with trust, compassion, and hope. Although Nicole is a new graduate nurse, she exemplifies professionalism, clinical excellence, and servant leadership well beyond her years. She has embraced the role of Patient Experience Champion on 2 East and consistently models Commit to Sit during bedside shift report, admissions, medication education, and discharge teaching. She understands that healing begins with human connection and demonstrates that commitment with every patient she serves. Nicole is the nurse every patient hopes to have in their most vulnerable moments. She is an extraordinary advocate, compassionate caregiver, and outstanding representative of Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center. Without question, Nicole Del Carmen deserves the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Nicole Del Carmen, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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