Nicole for being recognized for the extraordinary compassion, kindness, and dedication she consistently demonstrates to her patients and coworkers. Nicole truly embodies what it means to be a nurse who goes above and beyond to provide not only excellent care but also a genuine human connection.

One of our long-term patients comes in weekly for blood and has faced many challenges. Each visit, Nicole makes it her mission to lift his spirits. She greets him with a warm hug, fills the room with laughter, and allows him to be himself by engaging with his fun, sassy personality. He has shared that seeing Nicole is often the highlight of his week, describing her as “a ball of energy” who helps him forget his worries. When this patient expressed his wish to live to see his birthday in August, Nicole went out of her way to make that milestone special. At his next visit, she surprised him with a birthday cake, a hat, and sang “Happy Birthday” to celebrate him. On another occasion, when she noticed his blood bag was particularly full and realized he would be sitting for a long time, she purchased his favorite treat—tater tots with hot sauce—so he could feel cared for beyond just his medical needs.

Nicole’s compassion touches patients of all ages. She personally buys small toys to fill a prize box for children undergoing dental procedures. This thoughtful gesture gives young patients something to look forward to and helps ease the anxiety of their experience.

Another powerful example of Nicole’s impact occurred when a patient, newly diagnosed with cancer, had just undergone port placement. As Nicole was discharging her, the patient tearfully expressed that she felt she would “look ugly” when she began chemotherapy and lost her hair. Nicole immediately paused, looked her in the eye, and reassured her: “You are beautiful no matter what, and I will be praying for you during this journey.” That simple, heartfelt moment gave the patient strength and hope
during an incredibly vulnerable time.

Nicole also recognizes needs that extend beyond the hospital stay. When she had clothing she no longer needed, instead of discarding it, she brought it in for a long-term patient who had very little of his own. Her thoughtfulness brought comfort and dignity to his stay.

Nicole’s compassion extends equally to her coworkers. She has an incredible ability to sense when a teammate is struggling and always takes the time to check in, listen, and offer help, even when her own workload is heavy. Her energy and selflessness make her someone her colleagues can always depend on.

Nicole exemplifies the true spirit of nursing—she is not only clinically skilled, but also deeply compassionate, creative, and dedicated to making every patient and coworker feel valued and cared for. She creates moments of joy and comfort in the midst of hardship, and her presence leaves a lasting impact on everyone she encounters.