As the parent of a medically complex child, we are no strangers to hospitals and the care staff they employ. But out of the dozens of hospital trips we’ve had, one nurse stands out in particular. Neisha provided outstanding care and compassion that made an immeasurable difference in my son’s recovery and our overall experience. My son was hospitalized with RSV, and having an already compromised immune system made it that much more frightening, and I was incredibly overwhelmed with thoughts of the worst-case scenario.

From the moment Neisha entered our room, her kindness, expertise, and dedication were evident. Neisha went above and beyond to ensure my son was comfortable and receiving the best possible care. She took the time to explain every step of his treatment in a way that was easy for me to understand, which helped ease my anxiety tremendously. Her gentle demeanor and patience with Jackson, even during his most difficult moments, showed us how deeply she cares for her patients. What truly stood out was her ability to make us feel seen and supported as a family.

She consistently checked in on us, offering words of encouragement and reassurance when we needed it most, which was all the time. Her empathy and attentiveness made us feel like we were her only priority, even though we knew she was caring for many other patients. She never made me feel like I was being a bother; she encouraged me to ask questions and advocate.

Neisha didn’t just provide medical care; she provided emotional support and comfort during a time of great uncertainty. She spoke to me like a friend, rather than just another parent on the floor with a sick child. We were able to build a rapport that I will never forget. Having a child who is physically and mentally different than other kids, making meaningful connections with others can be difficult. But not for Neisha. She treated my son like he was her own, never letting his disabilities get in the way of her unwavering attention to him.

Her dedication to her profession and her patients is truly remarkable, and we will forever be grateful for the positive impact she had on my son’s health and our family’s well-being. In a life full of difficult choices to make, this nomination was one of the easiest. She is a shining example of what it means to be an extraordinary nurse. Thank you, Neisha, for your unwavering commitment to excellence and for making such a profound difference in our lives.

As a medical mom, it becomes all too easy to sniff out those who aren’t authentic in their interactions with their patients- Those who are only there for the paycheck. But not Neisha. Her care was genuine, never forced or performative, and it made all the difference during such a difficult time. With a heart and smile as big as hers, everybody should have the chance to experience the warmth, compassion, and dedication that Neisha brings to her patients and their families every single day.