Nurses everywhere inspire us
Across Mass General Brigham, our nurses are defined by the compassionate, high-quality care they provide to patients. As valued members of our care teams, nurses strive to get to know our patients and advocate for what’s most important to them throughout their treatment. With their unique perspective and breadth of expertise, nurses are also leading many innovative programs and efforts at each of our organizations to further improve care and make the experience of our patients even better. We simply could not achieve our vision of patient- and family-centered care without our nurses.
Interested in opportunities to join our exceptional teams?
Visit the Mass General Brigham Careers website for a listing of nursing positions across the system. No matter what care setting or specialty you are interested in, we have the position for you.
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Read what colleagues and patients have to say about Mass General Brigham nurses
Massachusetts General Hospital
Alessandra Basile
Massachusetts General Hospital
Alessandra took care of my wife, Joan, while she was in the MGH Ellison critical care unit for 10 days in December. She made her feel very comfortable through some very uncountable times as she approached the end of her cancer treatments and was made ready for hospice care at home. I could go home each night knowing that Alessandra and her team were taking care of and watching over my wife and her needs. She also comforted me when I was there daily, dealing with all the ups and downs of emotions. While almost all of the MGH Ellison 16 staff were very good, Alessandra gave extra effort to make my wife and myself comfortable with the hospital stay. I’ll forever be grateful to her.
Nominated by John Brandt
Kelly Bradbury
Massachusetts General Hospital
I have volunteered at the cancer center for a few years and have never seen such a dedicated and compassionate group of caregivers. I nominate Kelly on behalf of the team for their kind care, heart-sent smiles, encouraging hearts, and gentle hands.
As a cancer survivor, I have personal experience with the work they do. Every patient is important and special. Family members and friends who accompany patients are treated with the same gentle kindness. Kelly and her team do everything with passion and hope. I hear them laughing with their patients, and when each patient leaves after treatment, team members thank them for coming in. Imagine that — having a healthcare worker thank you. It’s like hearing, “Thank you for letting me be a member of your healing community.”
Please honor Kelly and her team for their exemplary professionalism and simple human grace. Nominated by Penny Richards
Alison Bradley
Massachusetts General Hospital
I had Alison as my night nurse after I had delivered my second baby through C-section. She was the nicest, sweetest, and most helpful nurse I’ve ever had. I was not myself; I couldn’t get up and walk. She fed my newborn all throughout the night while taking care of me. She helped me walk and helped me in the bathroom. Giving birth and postpartum is very hard, and she was such a great nurse. She was definitely my favorite during my stay. Thank you, Alison, for great care.
Nominated by Nicolle Kemmett
Diane (Dede) Curtin
Massachusetts General Hospital
Diane (Dede) feels like family to us. My mom, my son, and I have seen Dr. Arvikar on a regular basis for rheumatology issues. Dede takes care of all that happens outside of the appointments, and we are forever grateful for that. She is on top of things, and her clinical knowledge is exemplary. Questions about our diagnoses, issues with prescriptions, and suggestions on what to do when the pain is too much are all a quick answer away on the portal or the phone.
I have overseen the care of my mom and my son, who is autistic. Dede remembers each of us and truly cares, seeing us as more than a medical record number. We trust her implicitly and enjoy connecting with her because she is always pleasant and kind and knows the answer. She is a gem and deserves to be honored! Nominated by Lisa Staff
Rose D'Orazio
Massachusetts General Hospital
Rose, my mother, has been my role model and inspiration for as long as I can remember. She's the reason I am a nurse today. As a young girl, I'd watch my mother dress in her blue scrubs and leave for work. To me, in those blue scrubs, she became a superhero. I knew her as my mom, but the world knew her by her alter ego, Super (ER) Nurse.
I graduated nursing school at age 20, and I couldn't wait to become a nurse like her, to make her proud and be as good as I knew her to be. She always told me nursing was a calling, and I agree. She makes a difference in her work. She isn't just a great nurse but a caring one who leads with compassion and empathy. And her drive to better herself and her practice led her back to school multiple times. She obtained her Associate of Science in Nursing young, as I did. After having three children, she returned to school to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In her 50s, she went back to school again for her Master of Science in Nursing. Today, she works as a practice manager within MGH Revere but she's also spent time as a clinical instructor, endoscopy nurse, and ER nurse, and she holds many committee chairs.
She has always gone above and beyond, and I couldn't be prouder. I would love to see my mother recognized because she deserves it — she's impacted so many, cared for thousands, and inspired many young nurses like myself. I love you, Mom. Nominated by Victoria Mills
Zoila Doherty
Massachusetts General Hospital
Zoila is a long-term MGH employee with excellent clinical and observational skills. She started as a medical assistant many years ago, and I worked with her then. Recently, she intervened in an issue of obtaining lab work. She quickly and efficiently solved what could have been a major problem. She is respected by all the staff. Nominated by Diane Smith
Nichole Edwards
Massachusetts General Hospital
I am a pediatric oncology nurse. I understand when you hear the words, “you have cancer” your world changes in a second. This is something my husband and my family have dealt with for the past year. After my husband’s surgery, he thought cancer treatment would be done. Unfortunately, he soon learned he would need to have additional treatment, including radiation. My husband decided to have his radiation at MGH in Danvers, rather than drive into Boston every day and it was there we met Nichole Edwards.
Nichole was the nurse we met with every Monday during my husband’s almost eight weeks of radiation therapy. She always walked into the room with a warm smile and would sit down as if she had no one else to see that day (obviously not the case). Her mannerisms can only be described as caring, compassionate, and empathetic. She cared about how my husband was feeling, physically and emotionally.
Though our visits were never long, she always asked about any symptoms or worries my husband was having and assured him when it was a normal side effect or was honest if she did not know why he might be experiencing something. Nichole took the time to listen, she was there for us. We always met with the radiation oncologist, Dr. McIntyre, after seeing Nichole and knew she updated him on my husband’s treatment course. Nichole and Dr. McIntyre were always on the same page — they make a great team and in turn gave us so much hope.
Caring for pediatric patients, we care for the patient and the family. I always thought in adult nursing, it was only the patient that had to be cared for. Nichole did not just care for my husband, she also cared for me, and that was greatly appreciated. Nominated by Colleen Nixon
Nichole Edwards
Mary Fay
Massachusetts General Hospital
Mary Fay is the nurse director of the Mass General Cancer Center in Waltham. As our nurse director, Mary has created an environment where her nursing team thrives in a collaborative atmosphere. In addition, Mary is an advocate for all patients who receive care at our center. At present, our cancer center is undergoing renovations, and Mary has led our nursing team to ensure that we can accommodate the needs of our cancer patients and those who receive medical infusions at our site. We are all grateful to Mary for her efforts. Nominated by Amy Comander
Cheryl Griffin
Massachusetts General Hospital
Cheryl Griffin has been a nurse in my primary care physician's office for many years. As an elderly patient, I have had many questions and concerns that I have addressed to Cheryl so that she can communicate them to my physician.
Always taking notes and reiterating what she writes to ensure all the details of the concerns are communicated is a testament to Cheryl's clinical competency. If Cheryl calls back with an answer to my concern or question, I know the communication has been carefully relayed!
Just recently, I had a question about a new prescription. At 6:30 p.m., Cheryl called me to give me the doctor's update on my path to follow with taking the new medicine.
For her compassion and understanding of the concerns of a patient's well-being, clinical competency, excellence in communication, and trustworthy care, I nominate Cheryl Griffin in the Boston Globe's Salute to Nurses 2024. Nominated by Patricia Previte
Valentina Herrera
Massachusetts General Hospital
Nurse Val is the most intelligent, dedicated, caring, and detail-oriented nurse we have ever come across. Her drive for perfection is unmatched, and she fights for what she knows is best for her patients, even if she gets pushback from the residents. Her level of experience and willingness to help attract other nurses asking for her opinion. She keeps the cleanest rooms and provides services many other nurses overlook. She is a consummate professional! Nominated by Andrew D’Alessandro
Sue Kappler
Massachusetts General Hospital
My baby was in the special care nursery for 42 days. Sue not only helped my baby but also helped me not feel alone during the tough times. She gave me advice and listened to my concerns. No matter what I said, she always made me feel as though I had a voice, and if I wasn’t getting through to someone, she would make it happen. Nominated by Laurel Peters
Christina Kim
Massachusetts General Hospital
My son, Jonathan, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in 2021. Nurse Christina Kim from the Massachusetts General Hospital sarcoma team was the very first nurse we met on his team. From the first phone call, nurse Christina demonstrated an incredible amount of compassion by providing not just medical support but also emotional support to my son and entire family. She did all this while offering complete open communication during and now after his cancer journey.
Nurse Christina has a special way of translating complex medical information into understandable terms. We like to call her our translator. I was a very nervous mom during my son's cancer treatment, which I think most people would find very overwhelming and most likely bothersome. I had so many questions, and each and every time, nurse Christina promptly responded to me with compassion and empathy. She built trust with not just me but my son, which still to this day fosters a wonderful partnership for the continued health of my son. When my son speaks about nurse Christina, he says she is "the kindest, smartest, most supportive nurse. She should have been a science teacher because she can break down the most detailed, confusing information in a simple format for me to understand."
As of this past November, Jonathan is two years cancer-free. He still needs to go back a few times a year for scans and appointments. Nurse Christina told us at his two-year checkup, "We are part of Jonathan's life forever." Jonathan and our entire family are so grateful and thankful to nurse Christina Kim for being part of the amazing sarcoma team that saved his life. Nominated by Nancy Gardner
Tiffany Le
Massachusetts General Hospital
Tiffany showed compassion and excellent safety awareness during my time under her care. I was in the neuro ICU following brain surgery, and being a young adult with half my head shaved, she was kind enough to braid my hair to make me feel just a little more human! Sometimes, the little things can go a long way in these vulnerable times in a patient’s life.
The most important interaction with her was when I wasn’t feeling well during a time I was out of bed; I lost consciousness, and she caught me during this syncope episode. I am grateful for her awareness and ability to keep me safe. I thank not only her but the entire nursing staff on Lunder 6 at MGH for the compassionate care, expertise, and skill they demonstrate each and every day. Nominated by Mia Marchena
Tiffany Le
Tara Logan
Massachusetts General Hospital
I first met Tara Logan over a year ago, and she has continuously impressed me with her knowledge, patience, communication, and personal investment in the patients she cares for. As an left ventricular assist device (LVAD) coordinator, she brings extraordinary expertise to advanced heart failure interventions at MGH. Still, it's the way she makes others feel valued that really makes her shine. I've often wondered if you can teach this kind of genuine kindness and acceptance, and I don't know if you can. Every patient, social worker (like myself), physician, and nurse feels comfortable in her presence. She never has another agenda other than being the most competent support to those around her and investing in her patients.
The most important things about Tara are: First, she is a caregiver in every sense of the word. Second, she is honest and loyal. Third, she is constantly looking to increase and share knowledge. Fourth, she makes me want to be better in my role every day.
People feel better after seeing her. Amid traumatic and life-changing decisions, Tara makes people feel safe. Nominated by Johnna Marcus
Anais Morales-Ortiz
Massachusetts General Hospital
I was admitted to the MGH Emergency Department Observation Unit early on the morning of Jan. 24, 2024. When Anais began her shift at 7 a.m., she was attentive, caring, and informative. She answered all my questions about the various procedures prescribed for me, helping me understand the difference between an EKG, ECG, and a cardiac CT. She had exceptional interpersonal skills and a calming demeanor, making an uncomfortable situation bearable. I was released later that day while Anais was still on duty. I was fortunate to have Anais providing care during my visit. She is an exceptional nurse and quite worthy of a salute. Thank you! Nominated by Marilyn Grant
Michael O'Donnell
Massachusetts General Hospital
Mike is a former Emergency Department (ED) nurse, and when you first meet him, you can tell he's been around the block a couple of times and has some stories to tell. That's what I liked about him; there was no judgment coming from him. The first time I saw him, I had to get an infusion of Von Willebrand factor to prepare for my dental appointment. I had just been diagnosed with acquired Von Willebrand, a rare clotting disease, and needed this infusion for my dental cleaning so I basically wouldn't bleed out on the dental chair.
After the dental appointment, I had a PET scan scheduled. It was my 52nd birthday, and this was not how I had envisioned spending it. I was in the midst of all this testing to uncover the source of my anemia, which would eventually lead to my diagnosis of multiple myeloma. But at that moment, when Mike was starting an IV in my arm, I had my head down and got very sad. He wasn't looking at me but picked up on it right away and asked, "Are you ok?"
I thank the schedulers who put me with Mike for my chemo appointments once I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It's great to have some consistency when things are scary and unknown, and Mike was that consistency. He was always up for a great chat, very thoughtful, and he knew that I was a fellow employee at MGH and that I was focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Unlike most white men I meet, he was not afraid to talk with me about this topic and was very thoughtful and had insightful things to share. You could tell he's really thought about it, wanted to do something, and was open to learning more.
As a nurse who could put an IV into anyone, he was always in demand. But he always made time to chat with me, and his emotional intelligence was much appreciated as part of his care for me as a patient. I find the best nurses are those who provide excellent care for the patient that includes something beyond the clinical realm. Nominated by Aswita Tan-McGrory
Katherine Parady
Massachusetts General Hospital
Katherine Parady personifies excellence in nursing. Because the operating room is an unknown environment in a restricted area behind locked doors and patients do not often remember their intraoperative team, excellence in clinical practice is often not recognized. Katherine provides impeccable care, respect, and emotional support for every patient and is a true advocate for them during the most vulnerable moments in their lives. She has an incredible way of making patients feel at ease in the limited time she has to connect with them before surgery. Katherine’s extensive knowledge of nursing, critical care, and surgical care makes her an invaluable resource to her colleagues, yet her focus is always on the needs of her patients. She works diligently to collaborate and coordinate care provided by the multidisciplinary team in the operating room.
Katherine has mentored generations of nurses and provided never-ending support to both her patients and colleagues. Her dedication and compassion have impacted the surgical experience of every patient she touched and made the vascular operating room a great place to work and learn. I personally salute Katherine for her devotion to excellence in patient care, her kindness, professionalism, commitment to lifelong learning, and sharing her experience and wisdom with all who make up the future of health care. Nominated by Marcia Salvucci
Alichia Paton
Massachusetts General Hospital
Alichia has gone above and beyond for all her patients as the nurse practitioner for the Living Donor Liver Transplant Program at MGH. She built the whole Living Donor Liver Transplant Program from the ground up. No task was too big or too small, from answering phones to requesting medical records to creating and implementing policies for the program and much more. She has overcome challenges with grace and a high degree of professionalism. Above all else, her empathy and kindness for her patients is beyond measure. Nominated by Melissa Rosenthall
Lauren Patterson
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lauren always gets to the core of how to best care for patients, and she voices and champions patient care in a straightforward manner. She collaborates with the entire team to deliver the best and timely care. In my most recent interaction with her, I had a patient with a new diagnosis of acute leukemia who needed certain diagnostic testing before we could start therapy. She was able to communicate with the diagnostic testing services to optimize the time frame to allow the patient to initiate therapy. These seemingly small acts have large impacts on individual patients. On another day, she helped communicate the care another patient needed on a non-oncology floor to ensure optimal care for that patient. In short, Lauren goes above and beyond. Nominated by Rupa Narayan
Laura Rice
Massachusetts General Hospital
Laura is an amazing nurse who is very passionate about her work. I worked with her in the psychiatric unit during the pandemic. I've never witnessed a nurse who cares about her patients as much as she does, always looking for the best way to interact and reach whomever she is dealing with. She has such a caring nature, all while working at a nursing home and caring for her two small children. She is a true gem to the patients and staff she works with, both compassionate and empathetic. She is attentive to their emotional and physical struggles and tries to reach them on their level. Nominated by Cathy Follett
Marcia Salvucci
Massachusetts General Hospital
Marcia Salvucci is a senior RN currently working as a nurse practice specialist in the operating room at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. I have known Marcia for approximately 20 years. In that time, I have known her to be one of the most compassionate and thoughtful caregivers I have ever worked with in my 37-year career as an RN and clinical nurse manager.
Marcia is not only a fabulous person — friendly, brilliant, and kind — but also an experienced community nurse, a vascular RN scrub specialist, a team leader for neurosurgery, interventional radiology, and vascular surgery, and now a nurse practice specialist serving one of the largest ORs in the country. Marcia incorporates the business side while always holding on to the personal touch with everything she does. Marcia recently underwent a project saving the hospital thousands of dollars in expenditure on surgical kits and instruments. Marcia is warm, caring, and brilliant — a role model for any person. Nominated by Scott Farren
Abigail Shaughnessy
Massachusetts General Hospital
I have worked with Abby as a healthcare provider for many years. She consistently goes above and beyond with patients and provides exceptional care no matter the circumstances. She recently moved into a leadership role in the department, but her previous position was not quickly filled because of staffing shortages. Abby continued to work with her former patients to help them, essentially doing two jobs. Once a new nurse was hired, she continued to work with our patients and train the new hire, even though that was not a part of her new role in the department. I also learned from nurses who filled in for her during the transition that her relationship with our patients and her work was pretty hard to replicate. Nominated by Daniel Hoch
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Kelly Bates
Kelly Bates
Brigham and Women's Hospital
I have always been proud to say I am a Brigham nurse. I received my 25-year service pin last year. The same year, my husband became critically ill and was admitted to the Shapiro 6 West ICU [Intensive Care Unit] at Brigham and Women's Hospital. That pin carries more meaning than I ever could have imagined now. Nurses make a difference.
I am honored to nominate Kelly Bates, an RN in the Shapiro 6 West ICU for Salute to Nurses 2024. Kelly was truly a guardian angel to our family as we navigated this unexpected journey. Kelly skillfully balanced the critical tasks of an ICU nurse while providing emotional support to our family. It was apparent from the moment I met her that she was very knowledgeable, and I felt so reassured that my husband was going to receive expert care.
Kelly was intuitive about every subtle change in his status and was able to advocate for him. Even on the days when things became very dire, Kelly was even-tempered and professional. She embodied family-centered care. It was apparent this was not just a patient but someone's husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to her. Our family is forever grateful to Kelly and the amazing Shapiro 6 West ICU staff for the stellar care provided to my husband and our family. We are forever grateful that we can continue to create memories as a family. There are no words really that can express how thankful we are.
Nominated by Sam Tyrwhitt
Cheryl Gardner
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Cheryl Gardner was one of our two incredible primary nurses during an unexpected NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) stay last fall with our preterm newborn son. During two months filled with anxiety and ambiguity as we navigated acute medical issues and a rare genetic diagnosis, Cheryl’s consistent support and advocacy carried us through the most difficult stretch of our lives.
Cheryl has worked in the Brigham and Women’s NICU for nearly 40 years and leaned on her wealth of knowledge and passion for her work to give our family the highest quality care. She helped ease our minds in the early days of our stay by explaining daily lab results, ensuring we had the most comfortable setup possible, and enthusiastically answering all of our questions.
Over the course of our NICU journey, Cheryl continued to show up for us in both big and small ways: she reminded us to take advantage of the parking discount and lunches provided for families; she made us laugh (which was exactly what we needed on the hardest days); she sat with our baby during an after-hours brain MRI and let us know when all had gone well; she advocated for our son to stay in the NICU as long as he needed, until we were comfortable and confident to take him home; and perhaps most importantly, she told us that everything would be ok — we believed her then, and we still do today.
Thankfully, we are now home and look forward to staying in touch with Cheryl. To know she is in our corner, even beyond the walls of the NICU, is truly remarkable, and we are forever grateful.
Nominated by Molly Mazzaferro
Kate Higgins
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Kate Higgins was one of our two incredible primary nurses during an unexpected NICU stay last fall with our preterm newborn son. We met Kate on day three of our 54-day NICU journey and formed an immediate connection. While our hospital stay was wrought with challenges as we navigated acute medical issues and a rare genetic diagnosis, Kate’s kindness and compassion brightened our most difficult days.
Kate’s passion for newborn care comes from a deeply personal place, which translates to the warm and empathetic care she provides to her patients. She greeted us each day with a smile, and we quickly bonded over shared experiences. Kate’s genuine interest and excitement around each little milestone our son reached helped us to also appreciate and celebrate those moments. While it was never easy to say goodbye to our baby at day’s end, it was unbelievably comforting to know we left him with someone who would treat and love him like one of her own.
Kate also provided incredible emotional support to us as parents as we processed difficult news and tried to make sense of a senseless situation. She helped us research local specialists and ensured connections were made where possible. In these moments, she went above and beyond her role as a nurse and became an empathetic listener, trusted confidant, and patient advocate.
Our NICU stay was infinitely better because Kate was a core part of it, and we are forever grateful for her care.
Nominated by Molly Mazzaferro
Kate Higgins
Julie McGillicuddy
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
My husband and I first met Julie in the Brigham and Women’s NICU. Our son, Owen, was born six weeks early by emergency C-section due to placenta complications. We also lost our first daughter, Lyla, due to a genetic disorder at 2 weeks old, so we were very anxious after he was born.
Julie met us with the warmest greeting and made us feel so comfortable and safe with her immediately. We were in the NICU with our son for two weeks, and Julie was our lead nurse. She quickly got to know us and showed real compassion for our son. She would call us each morning with an update and make a plan for that day.
Every day we were with her, she taught us something new that was so helpful in caring for our son. She taught us everything from tips for changing diapers and pumping and breastfeeding to swaddling and bathing him and so much more. When we were ready to leave, we truly felt prepared to take care of our son and bring him home — all because of Julie’s care and ensuring we were involved in everything throughout the day.
Sadly, Julie wasn’t with us on the day we went home. Julie reached out and called us after we had left to make sure we were still doing okay and let us know what a great pleasure it was caring for our son.
Julie was such a light during our stay and made it easier to leave our son each night. We truly felt so taken care of by her and will forever be grateful to her. "Thank you" would never be enough. Julie, you are an angel on earth!
Nominated by Heather Toland
Julie McGillicuddy
Kathy McPherson
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
I was in for a dilation and evacuation (D&E) at about 14 weeks after finding out my son had no heartbeat. It was one of the saddest, loneliest experiences I have ever had. Kathy was so kind and supportive. Her hug was the last thing I remember before they did the procedure, and it was exactly what I needed since my husband wasn't in the room. I'll never forget it.
Nominated by Jillian Russo
Kathy McPherson
Stephanie Pretty
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Stephanie Pretty went above and beyond to care for me during my time at Brigham and Women’s. She brings the term nurse to a whole new level. Her consistency in my care, compassion for advocacy, and commitment to her patients are unmatched. Even when I was at my very worst, she made my stay the very best, and that’s something to honor!
Nominated by Lauren Landry
Kristin Raymond
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
When I first started working with Kristin, she was a perioperative nurse. She was going to school and received her Master's in Nursing while becoming assistant nurse director. She has since taken on the role of interim nurse director. She is dedicated to her staff and her patients. She works endless hours and is always available for any needs. Our department would be lost without her.
Nominated by Maria Piekos
Kristin Raymond
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Kristin Raymond is, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding nurses I have ever worked with. She is the nurse director for the preoperative clinic at the Brigham, where many patients are facing complex procedures. She always makes sure to do everything she can to make things easier for them and their families, to decrease anxiety, to ensure they get the appropriate information to make things successful, and to help streamline their way through the surgical process. I have seen her go above and beyond for surgical patients and families over and over again.
She is compassionate, generous with her time, and well aware of how social issues and disparities can impact access to care; she does her utmost to make sure all patients get the highest possible level of care. She is a role model and inspiration for the nurses who work in our unit and takes on extra responsibilities to ensure that her coworkers have the best possible work environment. In these days of decreased resources, this is a formidable task, but she does her best and always has a kind word for everyone. She is a treasure for our staff and our patients.
Nominated by Angela Bader
Kristin Raymond
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
The Center for Preoperative Evaluation at Brigham and Women's Hospital relies on a teamwork approach. There are two attending anesthesiologists, a nurse manager, four nurse practitioners, two registered nurses, two resident anesthesiologists, and two administrative assistants.
Our task is to ensure the safety of patients undergoing surgery by collecting and triaging available records and scheduling needed consultants and tests. While the medical decision leader is an anesthesiologist, the operational leader — the person who really makes the center flow — is the nurse manager, Kristin! In her cheerful, focused, and enthusiastically encouraging way, she enables the best of each participant, artfully pairs nurses and anesthesiologists in a character-aware way, and cajoles necessary consultants, test schedulers, and medical records personnel.
Kristin is reliable, honest, and smart. She leads with her heart, with patients’ welfare as her compass. On a rare sick day when she works remotely, she still engages us in the morning, discharges the tasks, and ensures follow-up. Yes, we all know individuals who make a difference, even in this same role. However, Kristin is truly exemplary. I often reflect on how Kristin makes things happen so much easier, as if a rusted toy gets its connection points oiled for the first time. She is a catalyst.
Kristin is the embodiment of a patient advocate and a most pleasing and generous companion on our quotidian journey towards health. Bravo!
Nominated by Lawrence Tsen
Kristin Raymond
Martha Anne Smith
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Martha Anne Smith is the nurse practitioner responsible for my care at Brigham and Women's Primary Care in Norwood. Martha is very responsive to my health concerns, responding within hours with thoughtful and experienced medical advice and treatments as the situation requires.
I had a health concern while on vacation in Utah and required follow-up care. Martha assured me that I would be directed to the cardiologist and had testing that would be needed for that appointment in a timely manner. Decisions related to my care are discussed, and plans made with Martha are always a shared decision, taking my input, lifestyle, and concerns into account. Primary care providers require an encyclopedic knowledge for the variety of patients they serve. In addition to treating patients with care and compassion, Martha is one of those providers.
Nominated by Debra Furlong
Martha Smith
Cody Hedglin
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
I had multiple hospitalizations towards the end of 2023, and I ended up with a wound on my backside. Cody was my wound nurse. He spent a good amount of time going over how the wound likely developed and how to start healing it. He was very professional in his demeanor and was very gentle with the dressings, which were quite painful. I believe Cody is one of the main reasons my wound healed completely. Thank you, Cody!
Nominated by Sam Tyrwhitt
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Lynn Eline
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Lynn is a compassionate, caring, patient, and kind nurse. She listened when I needed her help and when I had questions, and she gave excellent care. I was pretty much able to do most things for myself, but she made sure I could before she left me alone to proceed. She was understanding and kind when I asked for a snack after surgery and made it with skill to perfection. Lynn, in my book, is the perfect nurse!
Nominated by Negron
Ebony Forand
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Ebony is a team player. She is pleasant, attentive, respectful, and knowledgeable. She is a strong nurse with excellent skills in prioritizing care and alerting fellow staff of sick patients’ needs. I feel confident and happy when Ebony is around. She is a new addition to the organization, and we are lucky to have her.
Nominated by Christine Kellogg
Sheryl Lafountaine
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Sheryl is the most amazing charge nurse I have ever met. She is constantly going above and beyond for her patients, coworkers, and even strangers. She not only makes sure everyone is greeted with a smile and kind words but makes sure we are well-fed. She is always bringing in home-cooked meals and goodies. She does so much for everyone. Sometimes, we have patients who are difficult to place and end up staying for extended periods. Sheryl will take the patient's laundry home, wash it, fold it, and deliver it back to the patient with a smile. Sheryl is a one-of-a-kind human being and an absolutely terrific nurse. She is an inspiration to all.
Nominated by Elizabeth Lambert
Cynthia Marlin
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Cynthia became the chief nursing officer at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in January 2023. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to ensure the organization is providing top-notch care. She is always patient and focused and continuously advocates for what her nurses and the organization need to provide the best possible care. She comes in early, stays late, and is always available.
With the current challenges across the board in health care around staffing and high volumes of patients, times haven’t been easy. Still, she consistently comes to the table with suggestions and is always willing to help do whatever it takes to get the best possible solution. She has been known to walk through the unit, helping clean patients up or reposition them. She goes down to the Emergency Department and helps turn over rooms if that’s what is needed. She’s a true team player and demonstrates leadership in a way that is inspiring to us all. Cynthia not only advocates and cares for our patients this way, but she also does so for the nurses across the organization. When times are tough, there is a great sense of confidence and pride to know she is at the helm.
Nominated by Lynnette Watkins
Sandra Saravia
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Sandra is the epitome of an incredible labor and delivery nurse. I went into labor with my first child on Nov. 16 — I was so excited but so scared. I had my birth plan, but it quickly went out the window after I arrived at the hospital. Sandra was by my side every step of the way, making sure I felt safe, comfortable, and, most importantly, heard. As an ER nurse myself, I know how hard it can be to advocate for yourself. Sandra made sure I did just that and helped me bring my beautiful baby girl into the world safely. She constantly reminded me how strong I was and kept telling me, “You got this, mama,” right when I wanted to give up. Although my birthing experience went nothing like I envisioned, I am so grateful for the nurses who were present. I’m even more grateful to call them my coworkers.
Nominated by Callie Hubbard
Healthcare at Home
Brandi Pike
Healthcare at Home
Brandi Pike is a ray of sunshine. She is kind, knowledgeable, compassionate, exceptionally bright, and proactive. Brandi advocates on my behalf with my healthcare providers, for example, getting them to put me on nebulizer treatment. She arrives at every visit with thorough knowledge of my chart and offers expert opinions with a warm smile on her face. Brandi educates me on my vital sign readings each visit. Brandi always has time to inform. Each visit with Brandi makes me appreciate how wonderful a nurse she is and how fortunate I am to be in her care. Nominated by Ann O’shea
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Emily (Emma) Fleming
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
Emma is the full-time triage RN for our pediatric practice. She is incredible, in one word. She is a whiz on the computer, and her charting is impeccable. She is very knowledgeable about pediatric illness and protocols and provides wonderful advice and triage to our patients.
She is caring, kind, and empathetic with parents and patients. She is able to diffuse parents' fears and frustrations with grace and kindness. She spends the time that each patient needs, even working past her shift to thoroughly complete a call or situation with a family if necessary.
She frequently also goes far above and beyond for patients, acting as a care manager (as we do not have one in our department). Emma will call specialists, radiology, pharmacies, etc. — all in the process of gathering relevant information to help a family or the primary care team.
She truly raised the bar of pediatric triage here at MVH. She helped create a more efficient triage process, which led to better patient care and satisfaction of families and providers. Emma is a delight to work with as a coworker and manager. She truly is an ambassador for our pediatric team, and we are so incredibly lucky to have had her join our team! She is one of the most incredible pediatric nurses I have ever worked with, and she deserves the utmost recognition for her talents and efforts. Nominated by Desma Warren
Mass Eye and Ear
Yonten Chodon
Mass Eye and Ear
My husband was operated on at MGB, but because there were no beds available there when he was out of the recovery room, he was put in a Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) room. He had special problems recuperating and much pain. Although her work generally, of course, was with MEEI patients, involving very different care from what my husband required, my husband said, and I saw, that Yonten went way over the necessary duty every single time she was called for, which was often, and whenever room visits were part of her rounds. She made his stay bearable despite much pain and much unexpected difficulty with recuperation. Hats off to Yonten and much, much gratitude from both of us. Nominated by Anne Rosenfeld
Berlyne Sinous
Mass Eye and Ear
Berlyne is one of the most skilled and compassionate nurses I have ever worked with. She has such a command of the operating room workflow and approaches any stressful or demanding situations with the utmost calmness and grace. She cares for patients deeply and goes above and beyond to ensure they are comfortable and well taken care of. She is the utmost team player and collaborates seamlessly with others. When I am in the operating room with Berlyne, I am always at ease. I know everyone on the team can depend on her, and I always know my patients and I will be well taken care of. Nominated by Nandini Venkateswaran
Berlyne Sinous
McLean Hospital
Matthew Canavan-Palermo
McLean Hospital
Matthew has the ability to interact with the teenage residents, the young adult certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs), the medical and therapy staff, and the other nursing members of our team. He carefully and compassionately navigates the difficult lives of these residents and supports the CRCs and fellow nursing staff. He does all of this with an easy manner and is someone you feel comfortable reaching out to. The job has changed so much in the past couple of years, yet his care and concern for those he works with has not wavered. I can think of no one I would want caring for my teenager or working alongside my young adult! Matthew is a charm and a great asset to the 3 East Residential program! Nominated by Barbara Parisi
Carolyn Chance
McLean Hospital
Carolyn gives so much attention and care to the residential unit of OCD Institute for Children and Adolescents (OCDiJr). Since our night nurse got laid off last fall, Carolyn has stayed late, making sure every resident can be supported and that staff has clear directions on how to help them after hours. Carolyn has created extensive guides — including pictures, detailed explanations, etc. — so evening staff can work with patients to support them.
Carolyn is well-versed in how OCD can make basic nursing tasks, such as urine samples or vital signs, challenging and finds creative ways to work with residents and provide them with their care. Carolyn is also used to working with teens and kids; she knows how to explain difficult concepts clearly and concisely. Carolyn is essential to the success of this unit and supporting kids in their mental health treatment. Nominated by Lucy O'Sullivan
Heather Ciaramitaro
McLean Hospital
Heather Ciaramitaro works as a psychiatric nurse practitioner at McLean. She consistently shows outstanding compassion and understanding to both our adolescent patients and their families. She is frequently recognized as providing a sense of security for patients and their families during a difficult time in their lives. She is thoughtful and caring and has excellent clinical knowledge. All patients who work with her benefit significantly from her care. Nominated by Peter Adams
Carolyn Chance
McLean Hospital
Colaryn Chance is a valued member of the OCD Institute for Children and Adolescents (OCDiJr) and a constant reminder of the strength, dedication, and compassion necessary when working in the mental health field. I recall some of the most challenging days we have had on our unit — moments where we're working with limited time or resources, with a patient experiencing challenging circumstances, or with everything that could go wrong going wrong — throughout it all, Carolyn remains kind, well-humored, and passionate for the well-being of both our residents and staff.
With the many different “hats” she wears, from nurse to cheerleader to IT support to manager to personal encyclopedia, she fills our unit with the kind of care and expertise I can only hope all patients and staff in our hospital system have the chance to work with. She energizes me each day I have the opportunity to work with her, and I remain grateful for her attitude and dedication throughout my time at McLean. Nominated by Rachel Reynolds
Heather Ciaramitaro
McLean Hospital
Heather is one of the most skilled psychiatric nurse practitioners I have ever seen. She has the calmest demeanor but is so wildly knowledgeable about psychiatric medications and therapy. She has this wonderful ability to make each of her patients feel supported and challenged at the same time. She is the best NP I have ever seen on a psychiatric unit. Nominated by Catherine Lopes
Heather Ciaramitaro
McLean Hospital
Heather Ciaramitaro is an excellent nurse in all aspects. She is compassionate, competent, patient, and trustworthy, and she always goes above and beyond for each of her patients. Heather gives 110 percent to all of the patients and families she serves. She makes sure to attend all family meetings as a supportive colleague to the clinical staff and as a support person for patients and families. She is extremely thoughtful and handles delicate moments in a family's life with the utmost respect. She strikes an important balance between advocating for what a patient needs and respecting their autonomy.
She has become someone on our unit that colleagues trust to go to for advice and consultation. Our unit would not run as smoothly without her and all of her wisdom. She had a challenging personal year for various reasons, but she still was able to come to work every day and give 110 percent to patients and families. Nominated by Alexa Ventresco
Heather Ciaramitaro
Evelyn Ebai
McLean Hospital
Evelyn has always been a strong advocate for patients. She understands their medical and psychiatric needs. She works very closely with all staff to educate them about the patients' needs. She communicates with the treatment team concerning issues of care. She has great compassion for our patients. The patients enjoy having Evelyn as their nurse. Nominated by Karen Slifka
Teresa Henderson
McLean Hospital
Teresa Henderson has worked as a member of the McLean Hospital Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics Program for many years. She is an excellent nurse who provides kind, compassionate care to patients suffering from treatment-resistant mental illness. Her work in our Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) service has done much to help patients deal with the stigma related to their treatment. She has been instrumental in developing our ECT Support group program, which provides support and encouragement for patients undergoing ECT or contemplating ECT as a treatment option. In addition, she works with families and other support members of patients receiving ECT to help them better understand the treatment and ways to support their loved ones.
Working with persons with lived experience, Teresa has helped develop a cognitive retraining program for patients experiencing memory and cognitive issues following ECT. Her interactions with patients and family members inspire hope and assist in the recovery process.
Teresa goes out of her way to provide the care patients need, whether at the bedside, facilitating groups or providing reassurance with follow-up phone calls, and advocating for patients when they cannot do so for themselves. She is very deserving of being recognized for her outstanding nursing care. Nominated by Paula Bolton
Teresa Henderson
MaryJo LoNigro
McLean Hospital
MaryJo is a family nurse practitioner who works daily at McLean to help patients manage their medical conditions while getting help with their behavioral health from the awesome staff and clinicians. She approaches each day with an enthusiastic energy that allows even the most reluctant patients to confide in her. The number of times each week she hears from patients that she has been one of the most helpful team members in the facility is a testament to the care and compassion she shows to each and every patient she sees.
Patients often line up at her door to review medical concerns or sometimes just to chat about their stay. It is difficult for her to walk through the halls without patients calling her name, and new patients often come up to her and ask, “Are you MJ? Can I talk with you?” MJ has honed her craft over 25 years, and this recognition is beyond deserved. Nominated by Robert LoNigro
Elizabeth Murray
McLean Hospital
I have worked in the field for approximately 15 years, and I have never met a nurse more dedicated to her patients, peers, and unit than Liz. Liz is the first person to respond to a crisis, medical emergency, or any other issue the staff or patients may need help with. And she goes above and beyond to ensure that her peers are working together and happy.
She builds a personal relationship with each patient who comes through and ensures they know they are cared for and will have unwavering support. She is the glue that holds this ship together, and being the biggest unit out of the McLean units, I feel she deserves the recognition. This is no easy task. I feel like all nurses deserve recognition, but everyone deserves the experience of working with Liz Murray. Nominated by Samantha Sullivan
Greta Nascimento
McLean Hospital
Greta Nascimento is an RN at McLean Hospital who deserves recognition for her outstanding performance attending to the needs of geriatric inpatients. Greta's warmth, clinical skills, and compassion are evident in her daily interactions with both patients and colleagues. Despite the often hectic hospital environment, Greta calmly tends to patients' needs.
Greta is keenly aware of the indignities often associated with psychiatric care. She strives to respect each patient's individuality and unique needs. This can be seen when she layers blankets along a drafty window to keep a patient warm, when she searches for a patient's undergarments without which they feel exposed or uncomfortable, or when she brings in shoes from home for a patient who lacks her own.
Similarly, Greta gives of herself when she problem-solves with colleagues to address systemic problems that preclude optimal care. Greta does not shy away from hard work or uncomfortable situations. She is organized, efficient, and eager to work with colleagues to best meet patients' needs. Despite the ambiguities about how to best care for patients with psychiatric conditions, Greta's kindness, warmth, and caring are never in doubt. Nominated by Lynn Goldsmith
Barbara Parisis
McLean Hospital
"Sully" has consistently been a source of clinical care and compassion for our staff and residents throughout very challenging times, both systemically and personally. She cultivates a space of high-quality care that is necessary for the vulnerable population we serve. Nominated by Roger Pottanat
MGH Institute of Health Professionals
Pat Reidy, Margie Sipe, and Elaine Tagliareni
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Pat, Margie, and Elaine have made significant contributions to advancing nurse education through their work with the Department of Labor Grant at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Their leadership and advocacy highlight the impact of collaborative work and dedication in healthcare education. This dedication will benefit future nurse educators and the healthcare system at large by addressing critical shortages in nursing education. Your work is so appreciated! Nominated by Rachael Salguero
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Abigail Doyle
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
I work every day with Abby, and she shows nothing but compassion and cares deeply for the safety and well-being of the patients who come through the NCH operating room.
Recently, my father was admitted for a simple procedure. Abby made sure my father was comfortable; she explained the procedure to him and told him what he could expect during and after the procedure. Abby also took the time to explain to me how he was doing and was sure to check on him the following few days.
I cannot say enough good things about Abby as a nurse and a clinical coordinator. She stepped into her new role recently and has done an exceptional job making sure the pre-op, intra-op, and post-op areas all run smoothly. She always makes herself available to me if I have any questions pertaining to my job scheduling or ordering operating room supplies. Nominated by Michele Cranston
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
A. E. Lyn Ames
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
I have had to have several surgeries this past year, and Lyn Ames has arranged ambulance transport, physician exams, very timely emergency department visits, and emergency surgery, even on weekends, to help me. When I had no way home after an emergency surgery, she took me home and made sure I got settled and had my medications. She called the day after each of my surgeries to see how I was doing. Nominated by Diane Tomassetti
Dawn Bosse
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Dawn has dedicated her professional life to helping not only those with cancer but also helping her fellow nurses. As the nurse educator at the Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley, she constantly strives to improve the lives of all of those around her. Whether infusing chemotherapy for a newly diagnosed cancer patient or developing clear policies that help guide the practice, Dawn excels at all that she does. The ability to directly help patients while also influencing policy and practice is simply amazing, and Dawn does it with ease. Nominated by William Danchanko
Jennifer Dougherty
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Jennifer noticed my adult disabled daughter in the ER waiting room, lying on the floor and crying. Jennifer called my daughter into the pediatric section of the ER even though my daughter is 30 years old. I am so thankful to Jennifer for her kindness, empathy, and ability to see that my daughter needed clinicians more accustomed to children's behavior. In adult settings, my daughter doesn't always get treated with empathy and patience because she doesn't understand how to be cooperative. Jennifer was masterful at placing an IV line in my daughter's arm — very rarely is this successful. Throughout the entire ER stay, Jennifer was able to coax my daughter into having her blood pressure taken, X-rays taken, and other necessary tests. Jennifer made such a difference for my daughter during this ER visit, and I am so grateful that nurses like Jennifer exist. Nominated by Meagan McLean
Amy Eastwood
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Amy's years of experience in the emergency room and the gastrointestinal unit help her to bring calm and confidence to her patients. What makes Amy so memorable and endearing, though, is her wonderful sense of humor, bright eyes, and huge smile. Her coworkers are drawn to her, and her patients love being in the spotlight of her attention. Newton-Wellesley Hospital is so lucky to have her on staff. Nominated by Leila Ripley
Tracey Hall
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Tracey is one of the most dedicated people I have met, both toward patients and colleagues. She cares tremendously about her patients' physical and psychological health and spends a tremendous amount of time with them to make sure they understand their care and are comfortable before they leave the practice. Nominated by Shari Ameri
Tracey Hall
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Tracey goes above and beyond for her patients day in and day out. This sometimes even includes checking patient messages on weekends and responding to give them the reassurance they may need. We work in a sensitive area and often see cancer patients come through our doors who may need that extra bit of love. Tracey never fails to jump in when she's needed and help out, no matter the task. As someone newly entering the nursing field, I hope to be as great as Tracey is. Nominated by Jordan DeMasi
Irvin Hiralall
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Irvin is such a pleasure to work alongside. He treats his patients with the utmost respect, provides quality care, and is a valuable member of our ICU team. The hospital's mission statement is to "treat and care for all our patients and their families as we would a beloved family member," and Irvin is the perfect example. He uses his kind nature and wealth of experience to provide the best care for our complex patients. He also precepts our new nurses and takes students to teach them about critical care. He is kind, patient, and thorough. He goes out of his way to help other nurses and is a resource to all. Irvin deserves to be recognized for the amazing work he does every day. Nominated by Amanda Crowell
Irvin Hiralall
Elizabeth Henderson
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Liz Henderson is an excellent nurse. She provides patients with very competent and compassionate care in the perioperative area at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
This past week, I had the honor of going with her on a medical mission trip to Peru, where we worked together to care for many patients, preparing them for surgery and caring for them after surgery. She is able to provide exemplary care while making everyone around her feel relaxed and even make everyone laugh. Liz showed that even in places where people are culturally and financially different from herself, she treats every one of her patients as though they are the most critical person in the world.
Her smile comforted patients who felt afraid before surgery, and her excellent nursing skills gave each patient the care they deserved. She overcame the language barrier and the lack of resources and left every patient and their family members feeling loved and well cared for. She is an amazing nurse in the best of times and even better with obstacles in her path. Cheers to Liz, and thank you for all you do daily. Nominated by Jill Clifford
Jennifer Lee
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Jennifer Lee has been an OR (Operating Room) Nurse for the last 20 years. She is an unassuming, dedicated operating room nurse who has always been the quintessential leader of advanced medical procedures.
What makes Jennifer Lee stand out is her unwavering dedication and skills. Jennifer is loved by her colleagues and always has a smile — and a grandiose amount of lifesaving skills.
Her demeanor and communication skills with staff and the general public are superlative in every aspect of professional nursing. I have to reiterate that this young lady is far above the norm; she is a sterling role model for all who have a career in professional nursing. Jennifer recently volunteered to participate in a lifesaving mission to Peru. While in Peru, Jennifer participated in a week-long operating room setup with 12 other lifesaving colleague professionals. I nominate this wonderful young lady as a shining star in the field of medicine. Nominated by Allan Mills
Stefanie Moon
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Starting my second career as a nurse in the ICU was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Being met by my preceptor, Stefanie, with such grace helped to instill a confidence in me that I didn’t know I had. Stefanie is passionate about the patients she meets and always stays one step ahead of their care. Not only does she provide exceptional care, but she’s also a team player in her unit, always willing to help out another nurse and there to answer questions or offer a laugh over her Labradoodle.
She took the time to instill the policies and procedures and taught me to take the time to complete procedures with excellent standards of practice. Stefanie is truly passionate about nursing and prepares for precepting outside of her work hours. She’s well known in the unit to call before her morning shift to understand the patient she will be assigned and relay the best teaching points for that day. I am so grateful to have gotten to work with Stefanie for the past 18 weeks while orienting to the unit. My hope as I continue my practice on my own is that I have Stefanie’s guidance instilled in me. Nominated by Michaela Walsh
Donna Mullen
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
After an illustrious nursing career spanning five decades, Donna Mullen, RN, will retire this May. She has solely practiced at Newton-Wellesley since 1973 and is also a graduate of Newton Wellesley School of Nursing.
When thinking of Donna’s attributes to nominate her for this award, common phrases among her peers were: “Fantastic resource nurse”; “Compassionate care to all her patients”; “Mentor”; “Preceptor to many new graduates”; “She sets the bar for the highest standard of care”; “Has traveled through many blizzards and hurricanes to get to work”; “Stays beyond her shift or comes in on a day off to support her colleagues and to ensure our patients are getting the attention they need”; “Donna’s empathy and advocacy are unmatched”; “She goes above and beyond for her patients and their families every shift”; “She has made a difference to thousands of patients and their parents during the most difficult times of their lives.”
Pediatric hospitalists often call upon Donna to share her expertise and experiences with residents, interns, and medical students. She is the most thoughtful and supportive team player. She is the first one to take up a collection for a staff member in need or celebrating a milestone. She is humble and doesn’t ever want the praise for doing so.
Donna has received many awards over the years, solidifying that she is truly a remarkable nurse. But even more important than her commitment and love of nursing is the wonderful 50 years of marriage to her husband Dennis, her pride in being a mother to Colleen and Dan, and being called “Nana” by her three adoring grandchildren.
We will miss working alongside Donna, but her friendship and legacy will last forever. Nominated by the 4 South Pediatrics Nursing Staff
Donna Mullen
Karen Mueller
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
There are so many fabulous nurses working tirelessly in this demanding field, and we are blessed to have one of the best working for our practice. Karen Mueller is not only a nurse practitioner but also our childbirth educator, high-risk breast consultant, and certified lactation consultant. She is always the first to arrive and will stay late when needed. She will come in to care for patients on her day off without a second thought if we are shorthanded due to an illness or family emergency.
Karen is dedicated and compassionate. She will see a day of obstetrical patients, deal with the worries of a new breastfeeding mom, and still choose to make the time after hours to stop to congratulate a new mom and dad, reassure a nervous pre-op patient, or follow up with a post-op surgical patient.
She is our beloved “Mama” Mueller. Her devotion to her profession shines through every single day as she continually makes a profound difference in the lives of every patient and staff member she touches. Nominated by Lisa Alden
Kathryn Roche
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Katie is an amazing nurse who deserves to be recognized. She practices with compassion, critical thinking, and patient advocacy at the forefront, ensuring that each of her patients gets the absolute best care possible. To patients, their families, and other nurses on our unit, her depth of knowledge is a resource and one she shares graciously.
With a passion for education and furthering the nursing profession, she has also been an incredible preceptor and mentor to new nurses and nursing students on our unit. Katie is a nurse who cares deeply and has made an impact on so many throughout her time as a nurse. She is an invaluable member of our unit and truly an incredible nurse. Nominated by Colleen Stapleton
Christina Squeri
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Christina is the nurse director of a medical-surgery unit. Her unit often cares for patients with very long lengths of stay. What separates Christina from other nurses is the deep compassion and attention she brings to her job. There was a patient with dementia who had been in the hospital for months. He was becoming restless, so she and her team set up a movie night. They gave him handmade tickets, set up the solarium as a movie theater, and offered popcorn and snacks. The nurses joined in intermittently so that he could have friends accompany him.
Another patient was a huge Patriots fan, and they arranged to have a watch party in the solarium, complete with take-out appetizers from a local restaurant. Lastly, a patient was in the ICU for a month and came to her floor. The patient was assisted in getting a shower, and Christina delivered a bag of special body washes, shampoo, and a poof to make it as comfortable and spa-like as it can be in a hospital. Christina would tell you that it is a team effort, but the leader sets the tone, and that tone is one rich in humanity and care. What a pleasure it is to see her recognize and attend to the needs of others. It feels good to truly take exceptional care of others, and this feeling is so needed in a world of burnout and fatigue. Nominated by Julie Koskey
Kari Wagner
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Kari has always been a great nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), but she went above and beyond today. She provided warm and compassionate care to the mother of a patient. The mother has mental health issues and was quite upset by seeing her young son under anesthesia. Despite the mother's verbal and behavioral escalation, Kari remained calm and focused, helping to de-escalate the mother and keep her focused on the safety of her child. Public safety officers were on standby, but Kari's caring and compassionate approach to the family meant a safe and easy recovery. Nominated by Camilla Sutter
Michele Wescott
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
As the night permanent charge nurse in the intensive care unit, Michele is always going above and beyond for our patients. Whether it's advocating for their care, jumping in during emergency situations, or being creative to make their hospital stay more positive, Michele does it all! She leads by example and helps teach our new graduate nurses to be the best they can be.
Michele is the first person to decorate a patient's room with homemade signs for their birthday to make them feel a little more at home. She even celebrated a patient's 100th birthday this year in the ICU! More recently, during the holidays, she bought a small Christmas tree and decorated a patient's room who had a long stay with us to boost his spirits. She did this on her own time. We are very lucky to be working with such a smart, ambitious, and caring nurse like Michele. Nominated by Amanda Crowell
Salem Hospital
Susan Hicaro
Salem Hospital
Susan is an excellent labor and delivery nurse. She cares for mothers-to-be, makes them comfortable, and is warm and welcoming. As a coworker, she is always looking out for everyone and offers help to anyone who needs it. When I first started working in labor and delivery, she welcomed me with open arms, guided me when I needed help, and answered any of my questions. In addition to being smart and articulate, she is one funny person. I love you, Susan. Nominated by Heather Cunha
Mercy Kioko
Salem Hospital
Mercy strives each day to ensure that every patient under her care feels as if they are her only patient. She makes sure that they understand that their care is the most important thing to her. In addition to the exceptional care she gives to her patients, she also helps guide our newer nurses in their learning. Our unit is all the better because of Mercy. Nominated by Sherry Michalowski
Emily Lewis
Salem Hospital
Emily is a wonderful nurse. She's always kind and caring to the patients she has or doesn't have. She always helps out other nurses on the floor and us techs. I love when she's on and I'm working on her floor. She always has a smile on her face and puts the patients at ease. Nominated by Valerie Davis
Trevor Martin
Salem Hospital
Trevor is an outstanding nurse; he goes above and beyond for all of his patients. He is always so happy and treats everyone on the unit with kindness. Nominated by Vana Webber
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Elizabeth Adams
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
I would like to recognize Elizabeth Adams, a staff nurse at Spaulding Cambridge Hospital, as she is a nurse who continues to take that extra time and effort to improve patient care. She is a strong advocate for unit staff and an active member of our Nurse Practice Council. In addition to her involvement and voice in our council, she is a mentor, preceptor, and charge nurse on the unit. She is always willing to step up and assist in the unit and patient care. The innovation, empathy, and leadership skills she brings to nursing are phenomenal.
Not only is she excellent at performing tasks and critical thinking, but what truly makes her stand out is her compassion. Her bedside manner shows that she takes that extra step with each patient. She always takes extra time to listen to her patients, understanding their difficulties and challenges. Understanding patients' beliefs, hobbies, and interests is just one example of Elizabeth's dedication to her patients. Nominated by Meaghan Fahey
Elizabeth Adams
Kara Arnold
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Kara is an exceptional nurse who not only contributes to floor nursing but also serves as co-chair of the Enrichment Council and contributes to the support and education of new nurses. Kara is an amazing healthcare professional who pays great attention to detail and always goes the extra mile for her patients.
With her strong clinical skills and critical thinking abilities, Kara conducts thorough assessments and promptly identifies even the slightest changes from the baseline, helping prevent the clinical deterioration of a patient's condition. She is never hesitant to take on medically complex cases, demonstrating her dedication to ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients. She is very compassionate about her patients and makes them feel valued and heard. Nominated by Ella Minasyan
Katie Barrios-Deleon
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Katie's nursing practice exemplifies compassion, clinical competency, and exceptional communication skills. Her unwavering dedication to patient care is evident in her proactive approach to assisting both patients and colleagues in the Stroke Program at Spaulding. With a gentle and reassuring presence, she effortlessly establishes rapport with patients, easing their anxieties amid the challenges of rehabilitation. Her fluency in Spanish further enhances her ability to connect with and support Spanish-speaking patients, ensuring they receive care in their preferred language.
Beyond mere tasks, Katie invests her time and energy into ensuring patients and their families fully understand their care plans. She prioritizes patient education, patiently explaining medications and discharge instructions and never rushing through vital information. This commitment fosters trust and empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery journey. Moreover, her collaborative spirit shines through her seamless coordination with other healthcare professionals, facilitating efficient interdisciplinary teamwork. By promptly communicating crucial updates and insights to the team, she ensures holistic and patient-centered care delivery. Nominated by Nick Herring
Katie Barrios-Deleon
Samantha North
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Sam goes above and beyond for her patients. I have seen compassion and advocacy daily when Sam works. We had a patient who suffered from a brain injury, causing them to be a challenging patient to work with. Therapy could not get much done with the patient due to their mood, so they took them off the program. Sam came in every day and figured out ways to get this patient to participate in medication management, care, and even therapy. The patient is now going home! Nominated by Melissa McQueen
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Julie Cole
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
I am delighted to nominate Julie Cole for her outstanding work and unwavering dedication to the success of our Graduate Nurse Residency Program at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Juile's leadership has not only set a high standard for excellence but has also impacted the professional development and growth of our newest nursing staff.
Juile's commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment has been exemplary. Her innovative approach to mentorship has empowered countless new nurses to transition seamlessly into their roles. Her passion for nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is evident in the positive feedback we get from past participants and colleagues. Salute to you, Julie! Nominated by Christine Wyrsch
Julie Cole
Shannon Douglas
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Shannon has been nothing short of amazing. She continues to demonstrate her medical knowledge, empathy for patients and family, and strong communication skills. Leaving our dad in her hands feels safe. She has followed through with any questions we’ve had to ensure we get answers. She makes my dad feel safe in these times of uncertainty due to illness, and that is what matters most. Even with a mask on, you can see her large smile through her eyes. Thank you to Shannon for being an incredible nurse. Nominated by Pamela Deyo
Suzanne Hildonen
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Suzanne cared for our twins at Wentworth Douglass. We had her multiple times during their two-and-a-half-week stay. She went above and beyond to make sure our girls were getting the care they needed. She always took the time to explain things to us and make sure we had everything we needed! Nominated by Chelsea Skelly
Zach Lawlor
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
I have the pleasure of working with Zach every day. He is remarkably smart, compassionate with his patients, and an excellent teammate. He approaches even the most challenging situations with patience, knowledge, and deep care for everyone involved. He keeps a level head and is always willing to collaborate with his colleagues. Patients respect him for the care he provides. We are very lucky to have Zach on our team! Nominated by Lindsey Wyma
Matthew Rice
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Matthew has a wonderful personality that immediately put us at ease with my mom’s cardiac procedure today. He is fun and funny, and he kept us laughing. His presence helped us to relax and stay positive. We were there for the majority of the day and could see that his rapport with all the other nurses was fantastic. He keeps everyone laughing, which really is the best medicine of all. Nominated by Lisa Amarosa
Sheila Woolley
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Twenty-four years ago, I began my career at Wentworth Douglass Hospital. Standing before me as the face of nursing was chief nursing officer Sheila Woolley. She inspired me to speak my truth, trust my instincts, and advocate for myself and my patients. She cheered me on as I navigated through years of nursing school, showing me the benefits of a higher education.
She has never hidden behind a desk or office door, always made herself available, and, most importantly, followed through on her word. This week was no exception. I was saddened to bring forward a difficult patient situation, which the nursing code of ethics deemed necessary. Sheila came to check on not only me but also the patient. She didn't have to do that; however, she makes a daily effort to support her nurses. You get unwavering support from Sheila.
She is the truest definition of a nurse leader and what leadership should look like. She is my role model, mentor, advocate, and, most importantly, a friend. I have modeled my nursing career after the person right in front of me. That person is nurse Sheila Woolley. Nominated by Sara Ballard
Sheila Woolley
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Compassionate, resilient, empathetic, caring, kind, and selfless are just a few words that describe Sheila Woolley, the chief of nursing at Mass General Brigham Wentworth Douglass Hospital. In her role as a nursing leader, she exemplifies a commitment to excellence and patient-centric care and serves as a pioneer in the development of future nurses. No patient care task is too small for Sheila, and no operational patient care barrier is too challenging for her to overcome. Her love for patient care is evident, and she consistently advocates for patient safety, rights, experience, care quality, and equity. Patients eagerly share their experiences with Sheila when she makes rounds in patient care areas, creating a positive and delightful atmosphere.
Beyond the laughter echoing in patient rooms, Sheila listens attentively to patients and their families, ensuring their needs are met during their hospital stay. She places great value on patients' perception of their care and seizes every opportunity to learn from their experiences. Sheila is instrumental in improving patient outcomes and a driving force for positive change, aiming to ensure that the community receives the highest quality of care.
With her dedication and contributions, Sheila is and will continue to be a key figure in making Mass General Brigham Wentworth Douglass Hospital a high-caliber institution. Thank you, Sheila. I salute you for your outstanding commitment and leadership! Nominated by Erin Wigmore
Massachusetts General Hospital
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
Community Physicians
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Healthcare at Home
Health Plan
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
Mass Eye and Ear
McLean Hospital
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Salem Hospital
Spaulding Rehabilitation
Urgent Care
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Nurses everywhere inspire us
Across Mass General Brigham, our nurses are defined by the compassionate, high-quality care they provide to patients. As valued members of our care teams, nurses strive to get to know our patients and advocate for what’s most important to them throughout their treatment. With their unique perspective and breadth of expertise, nurses are also leading many innovative programs and efforts at each of our organizations to further improve care and make the experience of our patients even better. We simply could not achieve our vision of patient- and family-centered care without our nurses.
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Visit the Mass General Brigham Careers website for a listing of nursing positions across the system. No matter what care setting or specialty you are interested in, we have the position for you.
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Read what colleagues and patients have to say about Mass General Brigham nurses
Massachusetts General Hospital
Alessandra Basile
Massachusetts General Hospital
Alessandra took care of my wife, Joan, while she was in the MGH Ellison critical care unit for 10 days in December. She made her feel very comfortable through some very uncountable times as she approached the end of her cancer treatments and was made ready for hospice care at home. I could go home each night knowing that Alessandra and her team were taking care of and watching over my wife and her needs. She also comforted me when I was there daily, dealing with all the ups and downs of emotions. While almost all of the MGH Ellison 16 staff were very good, Alessandra gave extra effort to make my wife and myself comfortable with the hospital stay. I’ll forever be grateful to her.
Nominated by John Brandt
Kelly Bradbury
Massachusetts General Hospital
I have volunteered at the cancer center for a few years and have never seen such a dedicated and compassionate group of caregivers. I nominate Kelly on behalf of the team for their kind care, heart-sent smiles, encouraging hearts, and gentle hands.
As a cancer survivor, I have personal experience with the work they do. Every patient is important and special. Family members and friends who accompany patients are treated with the same gentle kindness. Kelly and her team do everything with passion and hope. I hear them laughing with their patients, and when each patient leaves after treatment, team members thank them for coming in. Imagine that — having a healthcare worker thank you. It’s like hearing, “Thank you for letting me be a member of your healing community.”
Please honor Kelly and her team for their exemplary professionalism and simple human grace. Nominated by Penny Richards
Alison Bradley
Massachusetts General Hospital
I had Alison as my night nurse after I had delivered my second baby through C-section. She was the nicest, sweetest, and most helpful nurse I’ve ever had. I was not myself; I couldn’t get up and walk. She fed my newborn all throughout the night while taking care of me. She helped me walk and helped me in the bathroom. Giving birth and postpartum is very hard, and she was such a great nurse. She was definitely my favorite during my stay. Thank you, Alison, for great care.
Nominated by Nicolle Kemmett
Diane (Dede) Curtin
Massachusetts General Hospital
Diane (Dede) feels like family to us. My mom, my son, and I have seen Dr. Arvikar on a regular basis for rheumatology issues. Dede takes care of all that happens outside of the appointments, and we are forever grateful for that. She is on top of things, and her clinical knowledge is exemplary. Questions about our diagnoses, issues with prescriptions, and suggestions on what to do when the pain is too much are all a quick answer away on the portal or the phone.
I have overseen the care of my mom and my son, who is autistic. Dede remembers each of us and truly cares, seeing us as more than a medical record number. We trust her implicitly and enjoy connecting with her because she is always pleasant and kind and knows the answer. She is a gem and deserves to be honored! Nominated by Lisa Staff
Rose D'Orazio
Massachusetts General Hospital
Rose, my mother, has been my role model and inspiration for as long as I can remember. She's the reason I am a nurse today. As a young girl, I'd watch my mother dress in her blue scrubs and leave for work. To me, in those blue scrubs, she became a superhero. I knew her as my mom, but the world knew her by her alter ego, Super (ER) Nurse.
I graduated nursing school at age 20, and I couldn't wait to become a nurse like her, to make her proud and be as good as I knew her to be. She always told me nursing was a calling, and I agree. She makes a difference in her work. She isn't just a great nurse but a caring one who leads with compassion and empathy. And her drive to better herself and her practice led her back to school multiple times. She obtained her Associate of Science in Nursing young, as I did. After having three children, she returned to school to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In her 50s, she went back to school again for her Master of Science in Nursing. Today, she works as a practice manager within MGH Revere but she's also spent time as a clinical instructor, endoscopy nurse, and ER nurse, and she holds many committee chairs.
She has always gone above and beyond, and I couldn't be prouder. I would love to see my mother recognized because she deserves it — she's impacted so many, cared for thousands, and inspired many young nurses like myself. I love you, Mom. Nominated by Victoria Mills
Zoila Doherty
Massachusetts General Hospital
Zoila is a long-term MGH employee with excellent clinical and observational skills. She started as a medical assistant many years ago, and I worked with her then. Recently, she intervened in an issue of obtaining lab work. She quickly and efficiently solved what could have been a major problem. She is respected by all the staff. Nominated by Diane Smith
Nichole Edwards
Massachusetts General Hospital
I am a pediatric oncology nurse. I understand when you hear the words, “you have cancer” your world changes in a second. This is something my husband and my family have dealt with for the past year. After my husband’s surgery, he thought cancer treatment would be done. Unfortunately, he soon learned he would need to have additional treatment, including radiation. My husband decided to have his radiation at MGH in Danvers, rather than drive into Boston every day and it was there we met Nichole Edwards.
Nichole was the nurse we met with every Monday during my husband’s almost eight weeks of radiation therapy. She always walked into the room with a warm smile and would sit down as if she had no one else to see that day (obviously not the case). Her mannerisms can only be described as caring, compassionate, and empathetic. She cared about how my husband was feeling, physically and emotionally.
Though our visits were never long, she always asked about any symptoms or worries my husband was having and assured him when it was a normal side effect or was honest if she did not know why he might be experiencing something. Nichole took the time to listen, she was there for us. We always met with the radiation oncologist, Dr. McIntyre, after seeing Nichole and knew she updated him on my husband’s treatment course. Nichole and Dr. McIntyre were always on the same page — they make a great team and in turn gave us so much hope.
Caring for pediatric patients, we care for the patient and the family. I always thought in adult nursing, it was only the patient that had to be cared for. Nichole did not just care for my husband, she also cared for me, and that was greatly appreciated. Nominated by Colleen Nixon
Nichole Edwards
Mary Fay
Massachusetts General Hospital
Mary Fay is the nurse director of the Mass General Cancer Center in Waltham. As our nurse director, Mary has created an environment where her nursing team thrives in a collaborative atmosphere. In addition, Mary is an advocate for all patients who receive care at our center. At present, our cancer center is undergoing renovations, and Mary has led our nursing team to ensure that we can accommodate the needs of our cancer patients and those who receive medical infusions at our site. We are all grateful to Mary for her efforts. Nominated by Amy Comander
Cheryl Griffin
Massachusetts General Hospital
Cheryl Griffin has been a nurse in my primary care physician's office for many years. As an elderly patient, I have had many questions and concerns that I have addressed to Cheryl so that she can communicate them to my physician.
Always taking notes and reiterating what she writes to ensure all the details of the concerns are communicated is a testament to Cheryl's clinical competency. If Cheryl calls back with an answer to my concern or question, I know the communication has been carefully relayed!
Just recently, I had a question about a new prescription. At 6:30 p.m., Cheryl called me to give me the doctor's update on my path to follow with taking the new medicine.
For her compassion and understanding of the concerns of a patient's well-being, clinical competency, excellence in communication, and trustworthy care, I nominate Cheryl Griffin in the Boston Globe's Salute to Nurses 2024. Nominated by Patricia Previte
Valentina Herrera
Massachusetts General Hospital
Nurse Val is the most intelligent, dedicated, caring, and detail-oriented nurse we have ever come across. Her drive for perfection is unmatched, and she fights for what she knows is best for her patients, even if she gets pushback from the residents. Her level of experience and willingness to help attract other nurses asking for her opinion. She keeps the cleanest rooms and provides services many other nurses overlook. She is a consummate professional! Nominated by Andrew D’Alessandro
Sue Kappler
Massachusetts General Hospital
My baby was in the special care nursery for 42 days. Sue not only helped my baby but also helped me not feel alone during the tough times. She gave me advice and listened to my concerns. No matter what I said, she always made me feel as though I had a voice, and if I wasn’t getting through to someone, she would make it happen. Nominated by Laurel Peters
Christina Kim
Massachusetts General Hospital
My son, Jonathan, was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma in 2021. Nurse Christina Kim from the Massachusetts General Hospital sarcoma team was the very first nurse we met on his team. From the first phone call, nurse Christina demonstrated an incredible amount of compassion by providing not just medical support but also emotional support to my son and entire family. She did all this while offering complete open communication during and now after his cancer journey.
Nurse Christina has a special way of translating complex medical information into understandable terms. We like to call her our translator. I was a very nervous mom during my son's cancer treatment, which I think most people would find very overwhelming and most likely bothersome. I had so many questions, and each and every time, nurse Christina promptly responded to me with compassion and empathy. She built trust with not just me but my son, which still to this day fosters a wonderful partnership for the continued health of my son. When my son speaks about nurse Christina, he says she is "the kindest, smartest, most supportive nurse. She should have been a science teacher because she can break down the most detailed, confusing information in a simple format for me to understand."
As of this past November, Jonathan is two years cancer-free. He still needs to go back a few times a year for scans and appointments. Nurse Christina told us at his two-year checkup, "We are part of Jonathan's life forever." Jonathan and our entire family are so grateful and thankful to nurse Christina Kim for being part of the amazing sarcoma team that saved his life. Nominated by Nancy Gardner
Tiffany Le
Massachusetts General Hospital
Tiffany showed compassion and excellent safety awareness during my time under her care. I was in the neuro ICU following brain surgery, and being a young adult with half my head shaved, she was kind enough to braid my hair to make me feel just a little more human! Sometimes, the little things can go a long way in these vulnerable times in a patient’s life.
The most important interaction with her was when I wasn’t feeling well during a time I was out of bed; I lost consciousness, and she caught me during this syncope episode. I am grateful for her awareness and ability to keep me safe. I thank not only her but the entire nursing staff on Lunder 6 at MGH for the compassionate care, expertise, and skill they demonstrate each and every day. Nominated by Mia Marchena
Tiffany Le
Tara Logan
Massachusetts General Hospital
I first met Tara Logan over a year ago, and she has continuously impressed me with her knowledge, patience, communication, and personal investment in the patients she cares for. As an left ventricular assist device (LVAD) coordinator, she brings extraordinary expertise to advanced heart failure interventions at MGH. Still, it's the way she makes others feel valued that really makes her shine. I've often wondered if you can teach this kind of genuine kindness and acceptance, and I don't know if you can. Every patient, social worker (like myself), physician, and nurse feels comfortable in her presence. She never has another agenda other than being the most competent support to those around her and investing in her patients.
The most important things about Tara are: First, she is a caregiver in every sense of the word. Second, she is honest and loyal. Third, she is constantly looking to increase and share knowledge. Fourth, she makes me want to be better in my role every day.
People feel better after seeing her. Amid traumatic and life-changing decisions, Tara makes people feel safe. Nominated by Johnna Marcus
Anais Morales-Ortiz
Massachusetts General Hospital
I was admitted to the MGH Emergency Department Observation Unit early on the morning of Jan. 24, 2024. When Anais began her shift at 7 a.m., she was attentive, caring, and informative. She answered all my questions about the various procedures prescribed for me, helping me understand the difference between an EKG, ECG, and a cardiac CT. She had exceptional interpersonal skills and a calming demeanor, making an uncomfortable situation bearable. I was released later that day while Anais was still on duty. I was fortunate to have Anais providing care during my visit. She is an exceptional nurse and quite worthy of a salute. Thank you! Nominated by Marilyn Grant
Michael O'Donnell
Massachusetts General Hospital
Mike is a former Emergency Department (ED) nurse, and when you first meet him, you can tell he's been around the block a couple of times and has some stories to tell. That's what I liked about him; there was no judgment coming from him. The first time I saw him, I had to get an infusion of Von Willebrand factor to prepare for my dental appointment. I had just been diagnosed with acquired Von Willebrand, a rare clotting disease, and needed this infusion for my dental cleaning so I basically wouldn't bleed out on the dental chair.
After the dental appointment, I had a PET scan scheduled. It was my 52nd birthday, and this was not how I had envisioned spending it. I was in the midst of all this testing to uncover the source of my anemia, which would eventually lead to my diagnosis of multiple myeloma. But at that moment, when Mike was starting an IV in my arm, I had my head down and got very sad. He wasn't looking at me but picked up on it right away and asked, "Are you ok?"
I thank the schedulers who put me with Mike for my chemo appointments once I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It's great to have some consistency when things are scary and unknown, and Mike was that consistency. He was always up for a great chat, very thoughtful, and he knew that I was a fellow employee at MGH and that I was focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Unlike most white men I meet, he was not afraid to talk with me about this topic and was very thoughtful and had insightful things to share. You could tell he's really thought about it, wanted to do something, and was open to learning more.
As a nurse who could put an IV into anyone, he was always in demand. But he always made time to chat with me, and his emotional intelligence was much appreciated as part of his care for me as a patient. I find the best nurses are those who provide excellent care for the patient that includes something beyond the clinical realm. Nominated by Aswita Tan-McGrory
Katherine Parady
Massachusetts General Hospital
Katherine Parady personifies excellence in nursing. Because the operating room is an unknown environment in a restricted area behind locked doors and patients do not often remember their intraoperative team, excellence in clinical practice is often not recognized. Katherine provides impeccable care, respect, and emotional support for every patient and is a true advocate for them during the most vulnerable moments in their lives. She has an incredible way of making patients feel at ease in the limited time she has to connect with them before surgery. Katherine’s extensive knowledge of nursing, critical care, and surgical care makes her an invaluable resource to her colleagues, yet her focus is always on the needs of her patients. She works diligently to collaborate and coordinate care provided by the multidisciplinary team in the operating room.
Katherine has mentored generations of nurses and provided never-ending support to both her patients and colleagues. Her dedication and compassion have impacted the surgical experience of every patient she touched and made the vascular operating room a great place to work and learn. I personally salute Katherine for her devotion to excellence in patient care, her kindness, professionalism, commitment to lifelong learning, and sharing her experience and wisdom with all who make up the future of health care. Nominated by Marcia Salvucci
Alichia Paton
Massachusetts General Hospital
Alichia has gone above and beyond for all her patients as the nurse practitioner for the Living Donor Liver Transplant Program at MGH. She built the whole Living Donor Liver Transplant Program from the ground up. No task was too big or too small, from answering phones to requesting medical records to creating and implementing policies for the program and much more. She has overcome challenges with grace and a high degree of professionalism. Above all else, her empathy and kindness for her patients is beyond measure. Nominated by Melissa Rosenthall
Lauren Patterson
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lauren always gets to the core of how to best care for patients, and she voices and champions patient care in a straightforward manner. She collaborates with the entire team to deliver the best and timely care. In my most recent interaction with her, I had a patient with a new diagnosis of acute leukemia who needed certain diagnostic testing before we could start therapy. She was able to communicate with the diagnostic testing services to optimize the time frame to allow the patient to initiate therapy. These seemingly small acts have large impacts on individual patients. On another day, she helped communicate the care another patient needed on a non-oncology floor to ensure optimal care for that patient. In short, Lauren goes above and beyond. Nominated by Rupa Narayan
Laura Rice
Massachusetts General Hospital
Laura is an amazing nurse who is very passionate about her work. I worked with her in the psychiatric unit during the pandemic. I've never witnessed a nurse who cares about her patients as much as she does, always looking for the best way to interact and reach whomever she is dealing with. She has such a caring nature, all while working at a nursing home and caring for her two small children. She is a true gem to the patients and staff she works with, both compassionate and empathetic. She is attentive to their emotional and physical struggles and tries to reach them on their level. Nominated by Cathy Follett
Marcia Salvucci
Massachusetts General Hospital
Marcia Salvucci is a senior RN currently working as a nurse practice specialist in the operating room at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. I have known Marcia for approximately 20 years. In that time, I have known her to be one of the most compassionate and thoughtful caregivers I have ever worked with in my 37-year career as an RN and clinical nurse manager.
Marcia is not only a fabulous person — friendly, brilliant, and kind — but also an experienced community nurse, a vascular RN scrub specialist, a team leader for neurosurgery, interventional radiology, and vascular surgery, and now a nurse practice specialist serving one of the largest ORs in the country. Marcia incorporates the business side while always holding on to the personal touch with everything she does. Marcia recently underwent a project saving the hospital thousands of dollars in expenditure on surgical kits and instruments. Marcia is warm, caring, and brilliant — a role model for any person. Nominated by Scott Farren
Abigail Shaughnessy
Massachusetts General Hospital
I have worked with Abby as a healthcare provider for many years. She consistently goes above and beyond with patients and provides exceptional care no matter the circumstances. She recently moved into a leadership role in the department, but her previous position was not quickly filled because of staffing shortages. Abby continued to work with her former patients to help them, essentially doing two jobs. Once a new nurse was hired, she continued to work with our patients and train the new hire, even though that was not a part of her new role in the department. I also learned from nurses who filled in for her during the transition that her relationship with our patients and her work was pretty hard to replicate. Nominated by Daniel Hoch
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Kelly Bates
Brigham and Women's Hospital
I have always been proud to say I am a Brigham nurse. I received my 25-year service pin last year. The same year, my husband became critically ill and was admitted to the Shapiro 6 West ICU [Intensive Care Unit] at Brigham and Women's Hospital. That pin carries more meaning than I ever could have imagined now. Nurses make a difference.
I am honored to nominate Kelly Bates, an RN in the Shapiro 6 West ICU for Salute to Nurses 2024. Kelly was truly a guardian angel to our family as we navigated this unexpected journey. Kelly skillfully balanced the critical tasks of an ICU nurse while providing emotional support to our family. It was apparent from the moment I met her that she was very knowledgeable, and I felt so reassured that my husband was going to receive expert care.
Kelly was intuitive about every subtle change in his status and was able to advocate for him. Even on the days when things became very dire, Kelly was even-tempered and professional. She embodied family-centered care. It was apparent this was not just a patient but someone's husband, father, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to her. Our family is forever grateful to Kelly and the amazing Shapiro 6 West ICU staff for the stellar care provided to my husband and our family. We are forever grateful that we can continue to create memories as a family. There are no words really that can express how thankful we are.
Nominated by Sam Tyrwhitt
Kelly Bates
Cheryl Gardner
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Cheryl Gardner was one of our two incredible primary nurses during an unexpected NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) stay last fall with our preterm newborn son. During two months filled with anxiety and ambiguity as we navigated acute medical issues and a rare genetic diagnosis, Cheryl’s consistent support and advocacy carried us through the most difficult stretch of our lives.
Cheryl has worked in the Brigham and Women’s NICU for nearly 40 years and leaned on her wealth of knowledge and passion for her work to give our family the highest quality care. She helped ease our minds in the early days of our stay by explaining daily lab results, ensuring we had the most comfortable setup possible, and enthusiastically answering all of our questions.
Over the course of our NICU journey, Cheryl continued to show up for us in both big and small ways: she reminded us to take advantage of the parking discount and lunches provided for families; she made us laugh (which was exactly what we needed on the hardest days); she sat with our baby during an after-hours brain MRI and let us know when all had gone well; she advocated for our son to stay in the NICU as long as he needed, until we were comfortable and confident to take him home; and perhaps most importantly, she told us that everything would be ok — we believed her then, and we still do today.
Thankfully, we are now home and look forward to staying in touch with Cheryl. To know she is in our corner, even beyond the walls of the NICU, is truly remarkable, and we are forever grateful.
Nominated by Molly Mazzaferro
Kate Higgins
Kate Higgins
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Kate Higgins was one of our two incredible primary nurses during an unexpected NICU stay last fall with our preterm newborn son. We met Kate on day three of our 54-day NICU journey and formed an immediate connection. While our hospital stay was wrought with challenges as we navigated acute medical issues and a rare genetic diagnosis, Kate’s kindness and compassion brightened our most difficult days.
Kate’s passion for newborn care comes from a deeply personal place, which translates to the warm and empathetic care she provides to her patients. She greeted us each day with a smile, and we quickly bonded over shared experiences. Kate’s genuine interest and excitement around each little milestone our son reached helped us to also appreciate and celebrate those moments. While it was never easy to say goodbye to our baby at day’s end, it was unbelievably comforting to know we left him with someone who would treat and love him like one of her own.
Kate also provided incredible emotional support to us as parents as we processed difficult news and tried to make sense of a senseless situation. She helped us research local specialists and ensured connections were made where possible. In these moments, she went above and beyond her role as a nurse and became an empathetic listener, trusted confidant, and patient advocate.
Our NICU stay was infinitely better because Kate was a core part of it, and we are forever grateful for her care.
Nominated by Molly Mazzaferro
Julie McGillicuddy
Julie McGillicuddy
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
My husband and I first met Julie in the Brigham and Women’s NICU. Our son, Owen, was born six weeks early by emergency C-section due to placenta complications. We also lost our first daughter, Lyla, due to a genetic disorder at 2 weeks old, so we were very anxious after he was born.
Julie met us with the warmest greeting and made us feel so comfortable and safe with her immediately. We were in the NICU with our son for two weeks, and Julie was our lead nurse. She quickly got to know us and showed real compassion for our son. She would call us each morning with an update and make a plan for that day.
Every day we were with her, she taught us something new that was so helpful in caring for our son. She taught us everything from tips for changing diapers and pumping and breastfeeding to swaddling and bathing him and so much more. When we were ready to leave, we truly felt prepared to take care of our son and bring him home — all because of Julie’s care and ensuring we were involved in everything throughout the day.
Sadly, Julie wasn’t with us on the day we went home. Julie reached out and called us after we had left to make sure we were still doing okay and let us know what a great pleasure it was caring for our son.
Julie was such a light during our stay and made it easier to leave our son each night. We truly felt so taken care of by her and will forever be grateful to her. "Thank you" would never be enough. Julie, you are an angel on earth!
Nominated by Heather Toland
Kathy McPherson
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
I was in for a dilation and evacuation (D&E) at about 14 weeks after finding out my son had no heartbeat. It was one of the saddest, loneliest experiences I have ever had. Kathy was so kind and supportive. Her hug was the last thing I remember before they did the procedure, and it was exactly what I needed since my husband wasn't in the room. I'll never forget it.
Nominated by Jillian Russo
Kathy McPherson
Stephanie Pretty
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Stephanie Pretty went above and beyond to care for me during my time at Brigham and Women’s. She brings the term nurse to a whole new level. Her consistency in my care, compassion for advocacy, and commitment to her patients are unmatched. Even when I was at my very worst, she made my stay the very best, and that’s something to honor!
Nominated by Lauren Landry
Kristin Raymond
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
When I first started working with Kristin, she was a perioperative nurse. She was going to school and received her Master's in Nursing while becoming assistant nurse director. She has since taken on the role of interim nurse director. She is dedicated to her staff and her patients. She works endless hours and is always available for any needs. Our department would be lost without her.
Nominated by Maria Piekos
Kristin Raymond
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Kristin Raymond is, without a doubt, one of the most outstanding nurses I have ever worked with. She is the nurse director for the preoperative clinic at the Brigham, where many patients are facing complex procedures. She always makes sure to do everything she can to make things easier for them and their families, to decrease anxiety, to ensure they get the appropriate information to make things successful, and to help streamline their way through the surgical process. I have seen her go above and beyond for surgical patients and families over and over again.
She is compassionate, generous with her time, and well aware of how social issues and disparities can impact access to care; she does her utmost to make sure all patients get the highest possible level of care. She is a role model and inspiration for the nurses who work in our unit and takes on extra responsibilities to ensure that her coworkers have the best possible work environment. In these days of decreased resources, this is a formidable task, but she does her best and always has a kind word for everyone. She is a treasure for our staff and our patients.
Nominated by Angela Bader
Kristin Raymond
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
The Center for Preoperative Evaluation at Brigham and Women's Hospital relies on a teamwork approach. There are two attending anesthesiologists, a nurse manager, four nurse practitioners, two registered nurses, two resident anesthesiologists, and two administrative assistants.
Our task is to ensure the safety of patients undergoing surgery by collecting and triaging available records and scheduling needed consultants and tests. While the medical decision leader is an anesthesiologist, the operational leader — the person who really makes the center flow — is the nurse manager, Kristin! In her cheerful, focused, and enthusiastically encouraging way, she enables the best of each participant, artfully pairs nurses and anesthesiologists in a character-aware way, and cajoles necessary consultants, test schedulers, and medical records personnel.
Kristin is reliable, honest, and smart. She leads with her heart, with patients’ welfare as her compass. On a rare sick day when she works remotely, she still engages us in the morning, discharges the tasks, and ensures follow-up. Yes, we all know individuals who make a difference, even in this same role. However, Kristin is truly exemplary. I often reflect on how Kristin makes things happen so much easier, as if a rusted toy gets its connection points oiled for the first time. She is a catalyst.
Kristin is the embodiment of a patient advocate and a most pleasing and generous companion on our quotidian journey towards health. Bravo!
Nominated by Lawrence Tsen
Kristin Raymond
Martha Anne Smith
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Martha Anne Smith is the nurse practitioner responsible for my care at Brigham and Women's Primary Care in Norwood. Martha is very responsive to my health concerns, responding within hours with thoughtful and experienced medical advice and treatments as the situation requires.
I had a health concern while on vacation in Utah and required follow-up care. Martha assured me that I would be directed to the cardiologist and had testing that would be needed for that appointment in a timely manner. Decisions related to my care are discussed, and plans made with Martha are always a shared decision, taking my input, lifestyle, and concerns into account. Primary care providers require an encyclopedic knowledge for the variety of patients they serve. In addition to treating patients with care and compassion, Martha is one of those providers.
Nominated by Debra Furlong
Martha Smith
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
Cody Hedglin
Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital
I had multiple hospitalizations towards the end of 2023, and I ended up with a wound on my backside. Cody was my wound nurse. He spent a good amount of time going over how the wound likely developed and how to start healing it. He was very professional in his demeanor and was very gentle with the dressings, which were quite painful. I believe Cody is one of the main reasons my wound healed completely. Thank you, Cody!
Nominated by Sam Tyrwhitt
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Lynn Eline
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Lynn is a compassionate, caring, patient, and kind nurse. She listened when I needed her help and when I had questions, and she gave excellent care. I was pretty much able to do most things for myself, but she made sure I could before she left me alone to proceed. She was understanding and kind when I asked for a snack after surgery and made it with skill to perfection. Lynn, in my book, is the perfect nurse!
Nominated by Negron
Ebony Forand
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Ebony is a team player. She is pleasant, attentive, respectful, and knowledgeable. She is a strong nurse with excellent skills in prioritizing care and alerting fellow staff of sick patients’ needs. I feel confident and happy when Ebony is around. She is a new addition to the organization, and we are lucky to have her.
Nominated by Christine Kellogg
Sheryl Lafountaine
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Sheryl is the most amazing charge nurse I have ever met. She is constantly going above and beyond for her patients, coworkers, and even strangers. She not only makes sure everyone is greeted with a smile and kind words but makes sure we are well-fed. She is always bringing in home-cooked meals and goodies. She does so much for everyone. Sometimes, we have patients who are difficult to place and end up staying for extended periods. Sheryl will take the patient's laundry home, wash it, fold it, and deliver it back to the patient with a smile. Sheryl is a one-of-a-kind human being and an absolutely terrific nurse. She is an inspiration to all.
Nominated by Elizabeth Lambert
Cynthia Marlin
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Cynthia became the chief nursing officer at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in January 2023. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to ensure the organization is providing top-notch care. She is always patient and focused and continuously advocates for what her nurses and the organization need to provide the best possible care. She comes in early, stays late, and is always available.
With the current challenges across the board in health care around staffing and high volumes of patients, times haven’t been easy. Still, she consistently comes to the table with suggestions and is always willing to help do whatever it takes to get the best possible solution. She has been known to walk through the unit, helping clean patients up or reposition them. She goes down to the Emergency Department and helps turn over rooms if that’s what is needed. She’s a true team player and demonstrates leadership in a way that is inspiring to us all. Cynthia not only advocates and cares for our patients this way, but she also does so for the nurses across the organization. When times are tough, there is a great sense of confidence and pride to know she is at the helm.
Nominated by Lynnette Watkins
Sandra Saravia
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Sandra is the epitome of an incredible labor and delivery nurse. I went into labor with my first child on Nov. 16 — I was so excited but so scared. I had my birth plan, but it quickly went out the window after I arrived at the hospital. Sandra was by my side every step of the way, making sure I felt safe, comfortable, and, most importantly, heard. As an ER nurse myself, I know how hard it can be to advocate for yourself. Sandra made sure I did just that and helped me bring my beautiful baby girl into the world safely. She constantly reminded me how strong I was and kept telling me, “You got this, mama,” right when I wanted to give up. Although my birthing experience went nothing like I envisioned, I am so grateful for the nurses who were present. I’m even more grateful to call them my coworkers.
Nominated by Callie Hubbard
Healthcare at Home
Brandi Pike
Healthcare at Home
Brandi Pike is a ray of sunshine. She is kind, knowledgeable, compassionate, exceptionally bright, and proactive. Brandi advocates on my behalf with my healthcare providers, for example, getting them to put me on nebulizer treatment. She arrives at every visit with thorough knowledge of my chart and offers expert opinions with a warm smile on her face. Brandi educates me on my vital sign readings each visit. Brandi always has time to inform. Each visit with Brandi makes me appreciate how wonderful a nurse she is and how fortunate I am to be in her care. Nominated by Ann O’shea
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
Emily (Emma) Fleming
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
Emma is the full-time triage RN for our pediatric practice. She is incredible, in one word. She is a whiz on the computer, and her charting is impeccable. She is very knowledgeable about pediatric illness and protocols and provides wonderful advice and triage to our patients.
She is caring, kind, and empathetic with parents and patients. She is able to diffuse parents' fears and frustrations with grace and kindness. She spends the time that each patient needs, even working past her shift to thoroughly complete a call or situation with a family if necessary.
She frequently also goes far above and beyond for patients, acting as a care manager (as we do not have one in our department). Emma will call specialists, radiology, pharmacies, etc. — all in the process of gathering relevant information to help a family or the primary care team.
She truly raised the bar of pediatric triage here at MVH. She helped create a more efficient triage process, which led to better patient care and satisfaction of families and providers. Emma is a delight to work with as a coworker and manager. She truly is an ambassador for our pediatric team, and we are so incredibly lucky to have had her join our team! She is one of the most incredible pediatric nurses I have ever worked with, and she deserves the utmost recognition for her talents and efforts. Nominated by Desma Warren
Mass Eye and Ear
Yonten Chodon
Mass Eye and Ear
My husband was operated on at MGB, but because there were no beds available there when he was out of the recovery room, he was put in a Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI) room. He had special problems recuperating and much pain. Although her work generally, of course, was with MEEI patients, involving very different care from what my husband required, my husband said, and I saw, that Yonten went way over the necessary duty every single time she was called for, which was often, and whenever room visits were part of her rounds. She made his stay bearable despite much pain and much unexpected difficulty with recuperation. Hats off to Yonten and much, much gratitude from both of us. Nominated by Anne Rosenfeld
Berlyne Sinous
Mass Eye and Ear
Berlyne is one of the most skilled and compassionate nurses I have ever worked with. She has such a command of the operating room workflow and approaches any stressful or demanding situations with the utmost calmness and grace. She cares for patients deeply and goes above and beyond to ensure they are comfortable and well taken care of. She is the utmost team player and collaborates seamlessly with others. When I am in the operating room with Berlyne, I am always at ease. I know everyone on the team can depend on her, and I always know my patients and I will be well taken care of. Nominated by Nandini Venkateswaran
Berlyne Sinous
McLean Hospital
Matthew Canavan-Palermo
McLean Hospital
Matthew has the ability to interact with the teenage residents, the young adult certified rehabilitation counselors (CRCs), the medical and therapy staff, and the other nursing members of our team. He carefully and compassionately navigates the difficult lives of these residents and supports the CRCs and fellow nursing staff. He does all of this with an easy manner and is someone you feel comfortable reaching out to. The job has changed so much in the past couple of years, yet his care and concern for those he works with has not wavered. I can think of no one I would want caring for my teenager or working alongside my young adult! Matthew is a charm and a great asset to the 3 East Residential program! Nominated by Barbara Parisi
Carolyn Chance
McLean Hospital
Carolyn gives so much attention and care to the residential unit of OCD Institute for Children and Adolescents (OCDiJr). Since our night nurse got laid off last fall, Carolyn has stayed late, making sure every resident can be supported and that staff has clear directions on how to help them after hours. Carolyn has created extensive guides — including pictures, detailed explanations, etc. — so evening staff can work with patients to support them.
Carolyn is well-versed in how OCD can make basic nursing tasks, such as urine samples or vital signs, challenging and finds creative ways to work with residents and provide them with their care. Carolyn is also used to working with teens and kids; she knows how to explain difficult concepts clearly and concisely. Carolyn is essential to the success of this unit and supporting kids in their mental health treatment. Nominated by Lucy O'Sullivan
Heather Ciaramitaro
McLean Hospital
Heather Ciaramitaro works as a psychiatric nurse practitioner at McLean. She consistently shows outstanding compassion and understanding to both our adolescent patients and their families. She is frequently recognized as providing a sense of security for patients and their families during a difficult time in their lives. She is thoughtful and caring and has excellent clinical knowledge. All patients who work with her benefit significantly from her care. Nominated by Peter Adams
Carolyn Chance
McLean Hospital
Colaryn Chance is a valued member of the OCD Institute for Children and Adolescents (OCDiJr) and a constant reminder of the strength, dedication, and compassion necessary when working in the mental health field. I recall some of the most challenging days we have had on our unit — moments where we're working with limited time or resources, with a patient experiencing challenging circumstances, or with everything that could go wrong going wrong — throughout it all, Carolyn remains kind, well-humored, and passionate for the well-being of both our residents and staff.
With the many different “hats” she wears, from nurse to cheerleader to IT support to manager to personal encyclopedia, she fills our unit with the kind of care and expertise I can only hope all patients and staff in our hospital system have the chance to work with. She energizes me each day I have the opportunity to work with her, and I remain grateful for her attitude and dedication throughout my time at McLean. Nominated by Rachel Reynolds
Heather Ciaramitaro
McLean Hospital
Heather is one of the most skilled psychiatric nurse practitioners I have ever seen. She has the calmest demeanor but is so wildly knowledgeable about psychiatric medications and therapy. She has this wonderful ability to make each of her patients feel supported and challenged at the same time. She is the best NP I have ever seen on a psychiatric unit. Nominated by Catherine Lopes
Heather Ciaramitaro
McLean Hospital
Heather Ciaramitaro is an excellent nurse in all aspects. She is compassionate, competent, patient, and trustworthy, and she always goes above and beyond for each of her patients. Heather gives 110 percent to all of the patients and families she serves. She makes sure to attend all family meetings as a supportive colleague to the clinical staff and as a support person for patients and families. She is extremely thoughtful and handles delicate moments in a family's life with the utmost respect. She strikes an important balance between advocating for what a patient needs and respecting their autonomy.
She has become someone on our unit that colleagues trust to go to for advice and consultation. Our unit would not run as smoothly without her and all of her wisdom. She had a challenging personal year for various reasons, but she still was able to come to work every day and give 110 percent to patients and families. Nominated by Alexa Ventresco
Heather Ciaramitaro
Evelyn Ebai
McLean Hospital
Evelyn has always been a strong advocate for patients. She understands their medical and psychiatric needs. She works very closely with all staff to educate them about the patients' needs. She communicates with the treatment team concerning issues of care. She has great compassion for our patients. The patients enjoy having Evelyn as their nurse. Nominated by Karen Slifka
Teresa Henderson
McLean Hospital
Teresa Henderson has worked as a member of the McLean Hospital Psychiatric Neurotherapeutics Program for many years. She is an excellent nurse who provides kind, compassionate care to patients suffering from treatment-resistant mental illness. Her work in our Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) service has done much to help patients deal with the stigma related to their treatment. She has been instrumental in developing our ECT Support group program, which provides support and encouragement for patients undergoing ECT or contemplating ECT as a treatment option. In addition, she works with families and other support members of patients receiving ECT to help them better understand the treatment and ways to support their loved ones.
Working with persons with lived experience, Teresa has helped develop a cognitive retraining program for patients experiencing memory and cognitive issues following ECT. Her interactions with patients and family members inspire hope and assist in the recovery process.
Teresa goes out of her way to provide the care patients need, whether at the bedside, facilitating groups or providing reassurance with follow-up phone calls, and advocating for patients when they cannot do so for themselves. She is very deserving of being recognized for her outstanding nursing care. Nominated by Paula Bolton
Teresa Henderson
MaryJo LoNigro
McLean Hospital
MaryJo is a family nurse practitioner who works daily at McLean to help patients manage their medical conditions while getting help with their behavioral health from the awesome staff and clinicians. She approaches each day with an enthusiastic energy that allows even the most reluctant patients to confide in her. The number of times each week she hears from patients that she has been one of the most helpful team members in the facility is a testament to the care and compassion she shows to each and every patient she sees.
Patients often line up at her door to review medical concerns or sometimes just to chat about their stay. It is difficult for her to walk through the halls without patients calling her name, and new patients often come up to her and ask, “Are you MJ? Can I talk with you?” MJ has honed her craft over 25 years, and this recognition is beyond deserved. Nominated by Robert LoNigro
Elizabeth Murray
McLean Hospital
I have worked in the field for approximately 15 years, and I have never met a nurse more dedicated to her patients, peers, and unit than Liz. Liz is the first person to respond to a crisis, medical emergency, or any other issue the staff or patients may need help with. And she goes above and beyond to ensure that her peers are working together and happy.
She builds a personal relationship with each patient who comes through and ensures they know they are cared for and will have unwavering support. She is the glue that holds this ship together, and being the biggest unit out of the McLean units, I feel she deserves the recognition. This is no easy task. I feel like all nurses deserve recognition, but everyone deserves the experience of working with Liz Murray. Nominated by Samantha Sullivan
Greta Nascimento
McLean Hospital
Greta Nascimento is an RN at McLean Hospital who deserves recognition for her outstanding performance attending to the needs of geriatric inpatients. Greta's warmth, clinical skills, and compassion are evident in her daily interactions with both patients and colleagues. Despite the often hectic hospital environment, Greta calmly tends to patients' needs.
Greta is keenly aware of the indignities often associated with psychiatric care. She strives to respect each patient's individuality and unique needs. This can be seen when she layers blankets along a drafty window to keep a patient warm, when she searches for a patient's undergarments without which they feel exposed or uncomfortable, or when she brings in shoes from home for a patient who lacks her own.
Similarly, Greta gives of herself when she problem-solves with colleagues to address systemic problems that preclude optimal care. Greta does not shy away from hard work or uncomfortable situations. She is organized, efficient, and eager to work with colleagues to best meet patients' needs. Despite the ambiguities about how to best care for patients with psychiatric conditions, Greta's kindness, warmth, and caring are never in doubt. Nominated by Lynn Goldsmith
Barbara Parisis
McLean Hospital
"Sully" has consistently been a source of clinical care and compassion for our staff and residents throughout very challenging times, both systemically and personally. She cultivates a space of high-quality care that is necessary for the vulnerable population we serve. Nominated by Roger Pottanat
MGH Institute of Health Professionals
Pat Reidy, Margie Sipe, and Elaine Tagliareni
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Pat, Margie, and Elaine have made significant contributions to advancing nurse education through their work with the Department of Labor Grant at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Their leadership and advocacy highlight the impact of collaborative work and dedication in healthcare education. This dedication will benefit future nurse educators and the healthcare system at large by addressing critical shortages in nursing education. Your work is so appreciated! Nominated by Rachael Salguero
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Abigail Doyle
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
I work every day with Abby, and she shows nothing but compassion and cares deeply for the safety and well-being of the patients who come through the NCH operating room.
Recently, my father was admitted for a simple procedure. Abby made sure my father was comfortable; she explained the procedure to him and told him what he could expect during and after the procedure. Abby also took the time to explain to me how he was doing and was sure to check on him the following few days.
I cannot say enough good things about Abby as a nurse and a clinical coordinator. She stepped into her new role recently and has done an exceptional job making sure the pre-op, intra-op, and post-op areas all run smoothly. She always makes herself available to me if I have any questions pertaining to my job scheduling or ordering operating room supplies. Nominated by Michele Cranston
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
A. E. Lyn Ames
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
I have had to have several surgeries this past year, and Lyn Ames has arranged ambulance transport, physician exams, very timely emergency department visits, and emergency surgery, even on weekends, to help me. When I had no way home after an emergency surgery, she took me home and made sure I got settled and had my medications. She called the day after each of my surgeries to see how I was doing. Nominated by Diane Tomassetti
Dawn Bosse
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Dawn has dedicated her professional life to helping not only those with cancer but also helping her fellow nurses. As the nurse educator at the Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley, she constantly strives to improve the lives of all of those around her. Whether infusing chemotherapy for a newly diagnosed cancer patient or developing clear policies that help guide the practice, Dawn excels at all that she does. The ability to directly help patients while also influencing policy and practice is simply amazing, and Dawn does it with ease. Nominated by William Danchanko
Jennifer Dougherty
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Jennifer noticed my adult disabled daughter in the ER waiting room, lying on the floor and crying. Jennifer called my daughter into the pediatric section of the ER even though my daughter is 30 years old. I am so thankful to Jennifer for her kindness, empathy, and ability to see that my daughter needed clinicians more accustomed to children's behavior. In adult settings, my daughter doesn't always get treated with empathy and patience because she doesn't understand how to be cooperative. Jennifer was masterful at placing an IV line in my daughter's arm — very rarely is this successful. Throughout the entire ER stay, Jennifer was able to coax my daughter into having her blood pressure taken, X-rays taken, and other necessary tests. Jennifer made such a difference for my daughter during this ER visit, and I am so grateful that nurses like Jennifer exist. Nominated by Meagan McLean
Amy Eastwood
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Amy's years of experience in the emergency room and the gastrointestinal unit help her to bring calm and confidence to her patients. What makes Amy so memorable and endearing, though, is her wonderful sense of humor, bright eyes, and huge smile. Her coworkers are drawn to her, and her patients love being in the spotlight of her attention. Newton-Wellesley Hospital is so lucky to have her on staff. Nominated by Leila Ripley
Tracey Hall
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Tracey is one of the most dedicated people I have met, both toward patients and colleagues. She cares tremendously about her patients' physical and psychological health and spends a tremendous amount of time with them to make sure they understand their care and are comfortable before they leave the practice. Nominated by Shari Ameri
Tracey Hall
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Tracey goes above and beyond for her patients day in and day out. This sometimes even includes checking patient messages on weekends and responding to give them the reassurance they may need. We work in a sensitive area and often see cancer patients come through our doors who may need that extra bit of love. Tracey never fails to jump in when she's needed and help out, no matter the task. As someone newly entering the nursing field, I hope to be as great as Tracey is. Nominated by Jordan DeMasi
Irvin Hiralall
Irvin Hiralall
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Irvin is such a pleasure to work alongside. He treats his patients with the utmost respect, provides quality care, and is a valuable member of our ICU team. The hospital's mission statement is to "treat and care for all our patients and their families as we would a beloved family member," and Irvin is the perfect example. He uses his kind nature and wealth of experience to provide the best care for our complex patients. He also precepts our new nurses and takes students to teach them about critical care. He is kind, patient, and thorough. He goes out of his way to help other nurses and is a resource to all. Irvin deserves to be recognized for the amazing work he does every day. Nominated by Amanda Crowell
Elizabeth Henderson
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Liz Henderson is an excellent nurse. She provides patients with very competent and compassionate care in the perioperative area at Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
This past week, I had the honor of going with her on a medical mission trip to Peru, where we worked together to care for many patients, preparing them for surgery and caring for them after surgery. She is able to provide exemplary care while making everyone around her feel relaxed and even make everyone laugh. Liz showed that even in places where people are culturally and financially different from herself, she treats every one of her patients as though they are the most critical person in the world.
Her smile comforted patients who felt afraid before surgery, and her excellent nursing skills gave each patient the care they deserved. She overcame the language barrier and the lack of resources and left every patient and their family members feeling loved and well cared for. She is an amazing nurse in the best of times and even better with obstacles in her path. Cheers to Liz, and thank you for all you do daily. Nominated by Jill Clifford
Jennifer Lee
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Jennifer Lee has been an OR (Operating Room) Nurse for the last 20 years. She is an unassuming, dedicated operating room nurse who has always been the quintessential leader of advanced medical procedures.
What makes Jennifer Lee stand out is her unwavering dedication and skills. Jennifer is loved by her colleagues and always has a smile — and a grandiose amount of lifesaving skills.
Her demeanor and communication skills with staff and the general public are superlative in every aspect of professional nursing. I have to reiterate that this young lady is far above the norm; she is a sterling role model for all who have a career in professional nursing. Jennifer recently volunteered to participate in a lifesaving mission to Peru. While in Peru, Jennifer participated in a week-long operating room setup with 12 other lifesaving colleague professionals. I nominate this wonderful young lady as a shining star in the field of medicine. Nominated by Allan Mills
Stefanie Moon
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Starting my second career as a nurse in the ICU was nerve-wracking, to say the least. Being met by my preceptor, Stefanie, with such grace helped to instill a confidence in me that I didn’t know I had. Stefanie is passionate about the patients she meets and always stays one step ahead of their care. Not only does she provide exceptional care, but she’s also a team player in her unit, always willing to help out another nurse and there to answer questions or offer a laugh over her Labradoodle.
She took the time to instill the policies and procedures and taught me to take the time to complete procedures with excellent standards of practice. Stefanie is truly passionate about nursing and prepares for precepting outside of her work hours. She’s well known in the unit to call before her morning shift to understand the patient she will be assigned and relay the best teaching points for that day. I am so grateful to have gotten to work with Stefanie for the past 18 weeks while orienting to the unit. My hope as I continue my practice on my own is that I have Stefanie’s guidance instilled in me. Nominated by Michaela Walsh
Donna Mullen
Donna Mullen
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
After an illustrious nursing career spanning five decades, Donna Mullen, RN, will retire this May. She has solely practiced at Newton-Wellesley since 1973 and is also a graduate of Newton Wellesley School of Nursing.
When thinking of Donna’s attributes to nominate her for this award, common phrases among her peers were: “Fantastic resource nurse”; “Compassionate care to all her patients”; “Mentor”; “Preceptor to many new graduates”; “She sets the bar for the highest standard of care”; “Has traveled through many blizzards and hurricanes to get to work”; “Stays beyond her shift or comes in on a day off to support her colleagues and to ensure our patients are getting the attention they need”; “Donna’s empathy and advocacy are unmatched”; “She goes above and beyond for her patients and their families every shift”; “She has made a difference to thousands of patients and their parents during the most difficult times of their lives.”
Pediatric hospitalists often call upon Donna to share her expertise and experiences with residents, interns, and medical students. She is the most thoughtful and supportive team player. She is the first one to take up a collection for a staff member in need or celebrating a milestone. She is humble and doesn’t ever want the praise for doing so.
Donna has received many awards over the years, solidifying that she is truly a remarkable nurse. But even more important than her commitment and love of nursing is the wonderful 50 years of marriage to her husband Dennis, her pride in being a mother to Colleen and Dan, and being called “Nana” by her three adoring grandchildren.
We will miss working alongside Donna, but her friendship and legacy will last forever. Nominated by the 4 South Pediatrics Nursing Staff
Karen Mueller
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
There are so many fabulous nurses working tirelessly in this demanding field, and we are blessed to have one of the best working for our practice. Karen Mueller is not only a nurse practitioner but also our childbirth educator, high-risk breast consultant, and certified lactation consultant. She is always the first to arrive and will stay late when needed. She will come in to care for patients on her day off without a second thought if we are shorthanded due to an illness or family emergency.
Karen is dedicated and compassionate. She will see a day of obstetrical patients, deal with the worries of a new breastfeeding mom, and still choose to make the time after hours to stop to congratulate a new mom and dad, reassure a nervous pre-op patient, or follow up with a post-op surgical patient.
She is our beloved “Mama” Mueller. Her devotion to her profession shines through every single day as she continually makes a profound difference in the lives of every patient and staff member she touches. Nominated by Lisa Alden
Kathryn Roche
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Katie is an amazing nurse who deserves to be recognized. She practices with compassion, critical thinking, and patient advocacy at the forefront, ensuring that each of her patients gets the absolute best care possible. To patients, their families, and other nurses on our unit, her depth of knowledge is a resource and one she shares graciously.
With a passion for education and furthering the nursing profession, she has also been an incredible preceptor and mentor to new nurses and nursing students on our unit. Katie is a nurse who cares deeply and has made an impact on so many throughout her time as a nurse. She is an invaluable member of our unit and truly an incredible nurse. Nominated by Colleen Stapleton
Christina Squeri
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Christina is the nurse director of a medical-surgery unit. Her unit often cares for patients with very long lengths of stay. What separates Christina from other nurses is the deep compassion and attention she brings to her job. There was a patient with dementia who had been in the hospital for months. He was becoming restless, so she and her team set up a movie night. They gave him handmade tickets, set up the solarium as a movie theater, and offered popcorn and snacks. The nurses joined in intermittently so that he could have friends accompany him.
Another patient was a huge Patriots fan, and they arranged to have a watch party in the solarium, complete with take-out appetizers from a local restaurant. Lastly, a patient was in the ICU for a month and came to her floor. The patient was assisted in getting a shower, and Christina delivered a bag of special body washes, shampoo, and a poof to make it as comfortable and spa-like as it can be in a hospital. Christina would tell you that it is a team effort, but the leader sets the tone, and that tone is one rich in humanity and care. What a pleasure it is to see her recognize and attend to the needs of others. It feels good to truly take exceptional care of others, and this feeling is so needed in a world of burnout and fatigue. Nominated by Julie Koskey
Kari Wagner
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Kari has always been a great nurse in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), but she went above and beyond today. She provided warm and compassionate care to the mother of a patient. The mother has mental health issues and was quite upset by seeing her young son under anesthesia. Despite the mother's verbal and behavioral escalation, Kari remained calm and focused, helping to de-escalate the mother and keep her focused on the safety of her child. Public safety officers were on standby, but Kari's caring and compassionate approach to the family meant a safe and easy recovery. Nominated by Camilla Sutter
Michele Wescott
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
As the night permanent charge nurse in the intensive care unit, Michele is always going above and beyond for our patients. Whether it's advocating for their care, jumping in during emergency situations, or being creative to make their hospital stay more positive, Michele does it all! She leads by example and helps teach our new graduate nurses to be the best they can be.
Michele is the first person to decorate a patient's room with homemade signs for their birthday to make them feel a little more at home. She even celebrated a patient's 100th birthday this year in the ICU! More recently, during the holidays, she bought a small Christmas tree and decorated a patient's room who had a long stay with us to boost his spirits. She did this on her own time. We are very lucky to be working with such a smart, ambitious, and caring nurse like Michele. Nominated by Amanda Crowell
Salem Hospital
Susan Hicaro
Salem Hospital
Susan is an excellent labor and delivery nurse. She cares for mothers-to-be, makes them comfortable, and is warm and welcoming. As a coworker, she is always looking out for everyone and offers help to anyone who needs it. When I first started working in labor and delivery, she welcomed me with open arms, guided me when I needed help, and answered any of my questions. In addition to being smart and articulate, she is one funny person. I love you, Susan. Nominated by Heather Cunha
Mercy Kioko
Salem Hospital
Mercy strives each day to ensure that every patient under her care feels as if they are her only patient. She makes sure that they understand that their care is the most important thing to her. In addition to the exceptional care she gives to her patients, she also helps guide our newer nurses in their learning. Our unit is all the better because of Mercy. Nominated by Sherry Michalowski
Emily Lewis
Salem Hospital
Emily is a wonderful nurse. She's always kind and caring to the patients she has or doesn't have. She always helps out other nurses on the floor and us techs. I love when she's on and I'm working on her floor. She always has a smile on her face and puts the patients at ease. Nominated by Valerie Davis
Trevor Martin
Salem Hospital
Trevor is an outstanding nurse; he goes above and beyond for all of his patients. He is always so happy and treats everyone on the unit with kindness. Nominated by Vana Webber
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Elizabeth Adams
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
I would like to recognize Elizabeth Adams, a staff nurse at Spaulding Cambridge Hospital, as she is a nurse who continues to take that extra time and effort to improve patient care. She is a strong advocate for unit staff and an active member of our Nurse Practice Council. In addition to her involvement and voice in our council, she is a mentor, preceptor, and charge nurse on the unit. She is always willing to step up and assist in the unit and patient care. The innovation, empathy, and leadership skills she brings to nursing are phenomenal.
Not only is she excellent at performing tasks and critical thinking, but what truly makes her stand out is her compassion. Her bedside manner shows that she takes that extra step with each patient. She always takes extra time to listen to her patients, understanding their difficulties and challenges. Understanding patients' beliefs, hobbies, and interests is just one example of Elizabeth's dedication to her patients. Nominated by Meaghan Fahey
Elizabeth Adams
Kara Arnold
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Kara is an exceptional nurse who not only contributes to floor nursing but also serves as co-chair of the Enrichment Council and contributes to the support and education of new nurses. Kara is an amazing healthcare professional who pays great attention to detail and always goes the extra mile for her patients.
With her strong clinical skills and critical thinking abilities, Kara conducts thorough assessments and promptly identifies even the slightest changes from the baseline, helping prevent the clinical deterioration of a patient's condition. She is never hesitant to take on medically complex cases, demonstrating her dedication to ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients. She is very compassionate about her patients and makes them feel valued and heard. Nominated by Ella Minasyan
Katie Barrios-Deleon
Katie Barrios-Deleon
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Katie's nursing practice exemplifies compassion, clinical competency, and exceptional communication skills. Her unwavering dedication to patient care is evident in her proactive approach to assisting both patients and colleagues in the Stroke Program at Spaulding. With a gentle and reassuring presence, she effortlessly establishes rapport with patients, easing their anxieties amid the challenges of rehabilitation. Her fluency in Spanish further enhances her ability to connect with and support Spanish-speaking patients, ensuring they receive care in their preferred language.
Beyond mere tasks, Katie invests her time and energy into ensuring patients and their families fully understand their care plans. She prioritizes patient education, patiently explaining medications and discharge instructions and never rushing through vital information. This commitment fosters trust and empowers patients to actively participate in their recovery journey. Moreover, her collaborative spirit shines through her seamless coordination with other healthcare professionals, facilitating efficient interdisciplinary teamwork. By promptly communicating crucial updates and insights to the team, she ensures holistic and patient-centered care delivery. Nominated by Nick Herring
Samantha North
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Sam goes above and beyond for her patients. I have seen compassion and advocacy daily when Sam works. We had a patient who suffered from a brain injury, causing them to be a challenging patient to work with. Therapy could not get much done with the patient due to their mood, so they took them off the program. Sam came in every day and figured out ways to get this patient to participate in medication management, care, and even therapy. The patient is now going home! Nominated by Melissa McQueen
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Julie Cole
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
I am delighted to nominate Julie Cole for her outstanding work and unwavering dedication to the success of our Graduate Nurse Residency Program at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital. Juile's leadership has not only set a high standard for excellence but has also impacted the professional development and growth of our newest nursing staff.
Juile's commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment has been exemplary. Her innovative approach to mentorship has empowered countless new nurses to transition seamlessly into their roles. Her passion for nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals is evident in the positive feedback we get from past participants and colleagues. Salute to you, Julie! Nominated by Christine Wyrsch
Julie Cole
Shannon Douglas
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Shannon has been nothing short of amazing. She continues to demonstrate her medical knowledge, empathy for patients and family, and strong communication skills. Leaving our dad in her hands feels safe. She has followed through with any questions we’ve had to ensure we get answers. She makes my dad feel safe in these times of uncertainty due to illness, and that is what matters most. Even with a mask on, you can see her large smile through her eyes. Thank you to Shannon for being an incredible nurse. Nominated by Pamela Deyo
Suzanne Hildonen
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Suzanne cared for our twins at Wentworth Douglass. We had her multiple times during their two-and-a-half-week stay. She went above and beyond to make sure our girls were getting the care they needed. She always took the time to explain things to us and make sure we had everything we needed! Nominated by Chelsea Skelly
Zach Lawlor
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
I have the pleasure of working with Zach every day. He is remarkably smart, compassionate with his patients, and an excellent teammate. He approaches even the most challenging situations with patience, knowledge, and deep care for everyone involved. He keeps a level head and is always willing to collaborate with his colleagues. Patients respect him for the care he provides. We are very lucky to have Zach on our team! Nominated by Lindsey Wyma
Matthew Rice
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Matthew has a wonderful personality that immediately put us at ease with my mom’s cardiac procedure today. He is fun and funny, and he kept us laughing. His presence helped us to relax and stay positive. We were there for the majority of the day and could see that his rapport with all the other nurses was fantastic. He keeps everyone laughing, which really is the best medicine of all. Nominated by Lisa Amarosa
Sheila Woolley
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Twenty-four years ago, I began my career at Wentworth Douglass Hospital. Standing before me as the face of nursing was chief nursing officer Sheila Woolley. She inspired me to speak my truth, trust my instincts, and advocate for myself and my patients. She cheered me on as I navigated through years of nursing school, showing me the benefits of a higher education.
She has never hidden behind a desk or office door, always made herself available, and, most importantly, followed through on her word. This week was no exception. I was saddened to bring forward a difficult patient situation, which the nursing code of ethics deemed necessary. Sheila came to check on not only me but also the patient. She didn't have to do that; however, she makes a daily effort to support her nurses. You get unwavering support from Sheila.
She is the truest definition of a nurse leader and what leadership should look like. She is my role model, mentor, advocate, and, most importantly, a friend. I have modeled my nursing career after the person right in front of me. That person is nurse Sheila Woolley. Nominated by Sara Ballard
Sheila Woolley
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
Compassionate, resilient, empathetic, caring, kind, and selfless are just a few words that describe Sheila Woolley, the chief of nursing at Mass General Brigham Wentworth Douglass Hospital. In her role as a nursing leader, she exemplifies a commitment to excellence and patient-centric care and serves as a pioneer in the development of future nurses. No patient care task is too small for Sheila, and no operational patient care barrier is too challenging for her to overcome. Her love for patient care is evident, and she consistently advocates for patient safety, rights, experience, care quality, and equity. Patients eagerly share their experiences with Sheila when she makes rounds in patient care areas, creating a positive and delightful atmosphere.
Beyond the laughter echoing in patient rooms, Sheila listens attentively to patients and their families, ensuring their needs are met during their hospital stay. She places great value on patients' perception of their care and seizes every opportunity to learn from their experiences. Sheila is instrumental in improving patient outcomes and a driving force for positive change, aiming to ensure that the community receives the highest quality of care.
With her dedication and contributions, Sheila is and will continue to be a key figure in making Mass General Brigham Wentworth Douglass Hospital a high-caliber institution. Thank you, Sheila. I salute you for your outstanding commitment and leadership! Nominated by Erin Wigmore
Massachusetts General Hospital
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
Community Physicians
Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Healthcare at Home
Health Plan
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
Mass Eye and Ear
McLean Hospital
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Nantucket Cottage Hospital
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Salem Hospital
Spaulding Rehabilitation
Urgent Care
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital