Why Our Nurses Choose Beth Israel Lahey Health

Nurses continue to lead the way in healthcare, helping to heal patients and their communities. The ability to inspire, adapt, and communicate effectively and compassionately—these are the qualities that our nurses embody, every day. We are proud to celebrate their contributions to the advancement of patient care. When you choose to work at Beth Israel Lahey Health, you’re joining a team of nurses committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. With 13 community, specialty and teaching hospitals, from southern New Hampshire to the South Shore of Massachusetts, as well as numerous clinical settings, such as primary care offices and treatment facilities, you have access to a vast network of care locations to help you grow and take the next steps in your career. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package to help you live your best life—both at work and beyond. Visit our careers page to explore opportunities at Beth Israel Lahey Health.

Addison Gilbert Hospital Robert Bowen, Addison Gilbert Hospital Robert is always going over the top for his patients. He is always polite, gentle, and understanding. Robert’s charm made a patient feel at ease even when it felt like the world was crumbling around her. Through her entire time in the emergency room, the patient was not worried or stressed, but instead listened to the doctor and her nurse tell her she was going to get better. Robert displayed compassion every step of the way.—Nominated by Kendra Miller Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Needham Caroline Daley, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Needham I have the pleasure of being the mentor for Caroline Daley in our Nurse Residency program. Caroline is a new graduate nurse recently off orientation, and she gives me hope for the next generation of nursing. She is professional, kind, committed, and compassionate. In her short time as a nurse, she has already demonstrated her clinical expertise by identifying a medication near-miss on a transfer patient, and through her in-depth knowledge of her patients during interdisciplinary rounds. In fact, one of our case managers thought she was a seasoned nurse because of her confidence, sound clinical judgement, and poise. Her care of a patient at the end of life, and the support she gave to this patient and her family, is a good example of her compassion. She was realistic, yet supported the family’s need to move through the process at their own pace. You never would have known that Caroline did not have a lot of experience with comfort care and end-of-life issues. She is a great team member and staff really enjoy working with her. Caroline is the person everyone would want as their nurse. Although it’s still early in her career, she’s clearly going to make a difference for patients and for colleagues as time goes on. We are so lucky to have her at our hospital.—Nominated by Heidi Alpert Barbara Doherty, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Needham Barbara works as the senior advanced heart failure nurse at our community heart failure practice. She recently helped an end-stage patient and his family to understand the prognosis and cope with the diagnosis, and then set up hospice care in the home. She spent countless hours on the phone with them and even made house calls to ensure that the patient was comfortable and to keep him company. Thanks entirely to her tireless work, he eventually passed away peacefully and comfortably at home with his family. Barbara’s dedication to our patients and her compassion for their struggles inspires me to work harder and be better. She more than deserves this accolade for her efforts.—Nominated by Lisa Fleming Emily Howland, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Needham Emily Howland takes pride and has compassion for her patients. She works with vulnerable women and takes the time to listen, support, and comfort them in difficult times.—Nominated by Brian Coughlin Stacey Smith, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Needham Stacey has been working as a primary care nurse for eight years, practicing phone triage and care coordination as well as in-person visits. Stacey speaks calmly, listens to her patients’ needs and requests, and advocates for them. Stacey is always there to lend a hand to her co-workers and the medical assistants, or anyone else in need. Stacey trains new staff weekly, can be counted on to provide quality care, and her communications with the primary care providers is excellent.—Nominated by Lily Connolly Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth Taryn Madden, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Plymouth Taryn worked tirelessly on the front lines of patient care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She volunteered to care for COVID patients, even when personal protective equipment was in short supply and there were many known and unknown dangers. She is a jewel in the crown of the nursing profession.—Nominated by Joleen Connolly Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Julia Barry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Julia is by far the most thorough and personable nurse I have ever met. Her professionalism and passion for good care make her stand out at the hospital. She’s enjoyable to talk to and a very good provider.—Nominated by Christina Snyder Kimberly Campbell, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Calm, composed, gentle, emphatic, thorough, and a keen partner in the Sleep Wars, Kimberly Campbell is an absolute joy to work with. An eager learner willing to put in the extra hours for optimal care, and a somewhat fearless practitioner, she can convert the MD’s lofty therapeutic goals into reality. She thinks deeply about the complexities in each patient, though sometimes her clinical note is a mini thesis. Only a complete fool would not want her on their team.—Nominated by Robert Thomas Maureen Carr, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center When I had hip surgery last November, I was in great pain from nerve damage. The doctors kept giving me opioids, but they do nothing for nerve pain. Maureen stepped in, discussed medications that could help me, and advocated for me. My neurologist called the surgeon’s team and advised them to start Gabapentin. When I was transferred to rehab, Maureen tirelessly communicated with the doctor there about dosage and times for administering the meds. I was in too much pain to advocate for myself. Maureen oversaw my care, and continues to check in with me.—Nominated by Eileen Lawlor

Read what patients and their loved ones wrote about Beth Israel Lahey Health nurses

“At Beth Israel Lahey Health I’ve grown into a more confident and knowledgeable nurse. I’ve been mentored by great leaders.”

Rachel Bresilla, Clinical Nurse II Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

“With my colleagues and mentors, Mount Auburn Hospital helps cultivate my advocacy and dedication to fostering a positive and safe practice environment for caring and learning. I am so proud that as a nurse, I can make a difference for our community and our team.”

Marie Raymond, RN Mount Auburn Hospital

“BID Milton's warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it the right fit for me. It has always maintained the same team-oriented culture you see now.”

William Kasper, BSN, RN Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital - Milton

Why our nurses choose BILH

Nurses continue to lead the way in healthcare, helping to heal patients and their communities. The ability to inspire, adapt, and communicate effectively and compassionately—these are the qualities that our nurses embody, every day. We are proud to celebrate their contributions to the advancement of patient care. When you choose to work at Beth Israel Lahey Health, you’re joining a team of nurses committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. With 13 community, specialty and teaching hospitals across our system, as well as numerous clinical settings, such as primary care offices and treatment facilities, you have access to a vast network of care locations to help you grow and take the next steps in your career. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package to help you live your best life—both at work and beyond. Visit our careers page to explore opportunities at Beth Israel Lahey Health.

Denise Darlington, MA, BSN, RN, CPN, NPD-BC, Winchester Hospital

Editors: Spence & Sanders Communications, LLC.

Grace Exum, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Grace goes all-out to make sure her patients are satisfied and can enjoy their stay at the hospital.—Nominated by Lily Albano Jane Foley, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Jane Foley was my mother-in-law, Edna’s, primary nurse for over three years. Jane is kind, pleasant, and hardworking. She has clinical expertise in oncology and can explain disease and treatment plans in easy-to-understand terms. Edna had a cancer that was treatable, but not curable. Edna enjoyed going to the clinic and always felt well cared for and safe. When the medicine was no longer helping Edna’s cancer, the decision was made to stop treatment. Jane was there with words of encouragement. I am a nurse, and I’ve worked with many outstanding nurses. Jane Foley is one of the best I have ever met. She allowed me to be a family member, not a nurse, in this situation. Our family is forever grateful.—Nominated by Jill Benoit Danielle Gott, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Danielle is a consummate professional. When leaving her previous position, Danielle answered numerous questions and emails about what the role was like and took time away from her new position to help train and support me (the new nurse taking her previous job), and has continued to be a champion for the program and staff that she left. It’s amazing to watch Danielle at work, supporting patients by supporting and encouraging nurses. Her confidence leads to improved outcomes for patients and increased retention of staff. Danielle is an amazing example of all that nursing can and should be. Thank you for leading by example.—Nominated by Amberly Ticotsky Julia Gregorio, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center As a recent RN graduate in 2022, I’ve watched Julia put her life on hold to work challenging nursing schedules. As a cardiac unit nurse, Julia jumped right into performing CPR and other lifesaving procedures. The 7 a.m.-7 p.m. shifts last at least 13 hours, including transition. They rotate from mornings to nights in two-week intervals. The toll on the body and mind is not easy, and you have to be completely dedicated to focus on the job and the patients. Beth Israel and other hospitals need alternatives to ensure the health and well-being of their most important resources…their nurses and other medical staff. Yes, I’m her father, and I would like the Globe to recognize Julia and the many other wonderful nurses who dedicate their lives to others.—Nominated by Nunzio Gregorio Rena Holzer, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Rena Holzer is a Jedi warrior in the Sleep Wars, slaying beasts and monsters that populate sleep clinics and laboratories. Seriously, this is a person with an extraordinary work ethic, organized to a fault, an eager learner, a courageous practitioner willing to embrace that which is unconventional, and incredibly patient-centric. It would be difficult to imagine my academic life without her guarding the fort.—Nominated by Robert Thomas Nicole Keenan, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Nicole Keenan is my hero. She is an incredibly talented labor and delivery nurse who made me feel extremely well cared for, safe, and heard. During the scary, out-of-control experience that is childbirth, she cheered me on and gave me excellent care every step of the way. I was so lucky that Nicole was on shift during the birth of both of my daughters, almost three years apart. She is an incredible human being and truly a gifted nurse.—Nominated by Abigail Thoele Kaitlin Morse, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center I’ve worked with Kaitlin, our infectious disease (ID) clinic nurse, for the past five years. She showed amazing dedication to patients and the hospital itself during the early stages of the COVID pandemic; that continued through the surges of 2021 and 2022. For nearly two years, Kaitlin was our primary ID clinic nurse, providing vaccinations, patient counseling, and care coordination in a busy clinic. I cannot think of a better nurse to honor for her service in 2022.—Nominated by Matthew Lee

Janine Caruso, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Janine works tirelessly to prepare our endometriosis patients for their surgeries. After a long road of chronic pelvic pain, patients are often understandably nervous for their upcoming surgery. Time and time again, my patients tell me how much they appreciate the extra time she takes to answer their questions and help to work through their concerns. She continues their care post-operatively as well, doing whatever she can to make their recovery easier. I am thankful for Janine’s hard work and excellent patient care.—Nominated by Emily Parent

Janine Caruso

Lindsay Duphiney, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Lindsay Duphiney advocates for patients with psychiatric and mental health disorders. In today’s understaffed and overworked health-care environment, these patients are spending extended time in medical-surgical units as they await placement at a psychiatric facility. Understandably, this poses a challenge for the patients, their families, and us as health-care providers. Lindsay’s advocacy helped to stabilize one patient’s care. A young woman with an active mental health disorder was on our unit for several weeks. Nurses did an incredible job caring for her, but it was an emotional challenge for everyone. Team meetings were held weekly to discuss her progress. Lindsay was a constant nursing presence at these meetings. She reminded the team of the patient’s progress and potentials for setbacks, constantly keeping her well-being in mind. Where the patient did not have a strong advocate in her personal life, Lindsay provided the support and encouragement that she didn’t know she needed. That patient’s progress was in large part due to Lindsay’s support. This is just one example of many where Lindsay advocates for those who do not have a voice.—Nominated by Ann Marie Darcy

Lindsay Duphiney

Rebecca Nichols, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Rebecca Nichols completely encompasses what it means to be a nurse. Rebecca admitted my daughter to Farr 11 after a very scary admission in the ICU. Rebecca greeted us with a big hello and smile, but also with real compassion. She knew my 26-year-old daughter was probably going to be hospitalized for at least three more weeks, and quickly advocated to get her a single room. This helped my daughter’s comfort dramatically. Rebecca always explained the plan for the day, but more importantly, she asked about our thoughts and concerns. She took excellent physical and psychological care of my daughter. She advocated for her with the physician team and helped coordinate the care. She always had a smile and always was so upbeat. She struck up conversations with Caille that helped her focus on something other than pain. She made up a special knock on the door that always made us smile. On our last day, who was there to discharge us, but Rebecca Nichols, once again making sure that all care, medications, and post-discharge appointments were in order. My daughter has had multiple hospitalizations over the past three years and I was comforted whenever Rebecca was the nurse. Florence Nightingale would love Rebecca’s caring, compassionate, and upbeat practices. Thank you, Rebecca.—Nominated by Diane and Caille McAleer Emily Pietrantozzi, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Emily is a phenomenal nurse who takes her time caring for patients with delirium. She can always be found sitting on the edge of the bed, meeting the patients where they are. In the busy environment of bedside nursing, she doesn’t hesitate to spend a few extra minutes with her patients.—Nominated by Lindsay Duphiney

Jeanne Quinn, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Jeanne treats her patients like family. She is caring, compassionate, kind, and has the best bedside manner. She’s a valuable nurse practitioner whose patients always feel seen, heard, and cared-for. Salute to NP Jeanne Quinn.—Nominated by Michelle Torres Denise Studley, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Denise works every day with patients suffering from opioid use disorder and other addictions. Her outstanding clinical skills and ability to establish a rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds have allowed her to improve the lives of many patients.—Nominated by Kevin Hill Caroline Torney, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Caroline models compassion toward those who are experiencing great anxiety. She frequently cares for older adults with dementia/delirium. Caroline always treats them as a whole person. One patient with dementia who was being treated for an infection didn’t know that she was in the hospital. One morning she got dressed, and politely but anxiously told us that she was done being here and was ready to leave. Our attempts at redirection made her more anxious until Caroline joined her nurse as a calm and comforting presence. The patient insisted on paying the man who was helping her (her nurse) before she walked out. Even when told that that was not necessary, she persisted. Caroline sat next to the patient’s bed for a long time, chatting casually to redirect her. This lessened her aggression, but Caroline saw that the patient couldn’t mentally move on from this payment. Caroline told her, “I think I know where your checkbook is. I’ll go get it for you.” She returned with a fake checkbook, handed it to her, and asked, “Is this yours?” The woman slowly examined it. Just when we thought it was going to backfire, she softly said, “Yes, yes—this is mine.” We both exhaled in relief. Caroline gave her a pen and told her a false name to address the check, and the patient finally felt that she could do what she intended. I wish you could have seen Caroline in action—she was amazing. Caroline met this patient in her own reality to keep her safe. Her extensive time commitment and skill exemplify the respect and dignity that she provides to all patients, and the role she models to her peers.—Nominated by Ann Marie Darcy Beverly Hospital Karen Wieber, Beverly Hospital I’ve worked alongside Karen for more than 12 years, and every shift I’ve worked with her has been inspirational. The care that she provides is filled with endless compassion, grace, empathy, and kindness. You’ll never find Karen at the nurses’ station, as she’s always at a patient’s bedside, cleaning them, feeding them, or just keeping confused patients company. Our motto on our floor is WWKD (“What would Karen do”). She’s full of knowledge and experience, yet always calmly willing to help anyone with any patient. Her generosity does not stop with her patients; she’s also the most supportive and loving co-worker. I hope to be half the nurse she is.—Nominated by Arianna Marquis Joslin Diabetes Center Rachel Sharkey, Joslin Diabetes Center Rachel is an intelligent, caring, and innovative diabetes nurse educator who works with all of the adult outpatients and also specializes in inpatient diabetes education at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Joslin Pregnancy Clinic, and community patient programing. Rachel makes sure her patients feel confident in managing the complexities of diabetes. In addition to providing outstanding care for individual patients, Rachel also excels at developing group and community education programs. Rachel created a Diabetes Education Escape Room that is used during patient programming. The Escape Room makes it fun, exciting, and challenging for patients to put their diabetes education into action. The program has received rave reviews from patients and staff alike. Rachel is a wonderful member of the education team and exemplifies the compassion, clinical competency, and advocacy that are essential to being an amazing nurse.—Nominated by Ashley Pickering Brown Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Melissa Ayer and Michele Mahan, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Melissa and Michele are outstanding nurses who bring excellent clinical care, professionalism, concern, and a sense of humor to a profession that has had a difficult time since the pandemic. I typically don’t look forward to any medical visit, but Melissa and Michele have a great way to put you at ease. They are a credit to nursing and to Beth Israel Lahey Health.—Nominated by Tom Killion Marybeth Catania, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Marybeth gives 150 percent to her patients and colleagues and is always the first to offer to help others. She has been working in the department of radiation oncology for several years now after her inpatient years at Lahey. I can hear the kindness and patience in her voice when she’s with her patients or following up on the phone. She exudes compassion, which is especially important for patients battling cancer. She has raised a family of nurses, and when she’s not working here, she’s taking care of one of her many grandchildren. She is an amazing clinical resource thanks to all her years working as a nurse, and we are fortunate to have her.—Nominated by Laura Kenda Linda Comfort, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Linda is a very caring and experienced clinician who keeps patients safe and advocates for them and her peers. She takes care of the whole patient, showing kindness and caring while teaching to keep them safe. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center is very lucky to have this long-time, dedicated nurse on their team.—Nominated by Terry Bomal Cynthia Gomez, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Cynthia is often our charge nurse and she leads by example. Her commitment to patient care is stellar. On one particular shift, she handled four admits and two basically simultaneous codes, among her other charge RN responsibilities. She often stays late to follow through with care and I believe she did that day, as well. Her clinical knowledge helped us get through those codes with grace and composure and she never faltered in helping out the primary nurse. She is an amazing leader that our newer nurses should emulate.—Nominated by Kimberly Silberkleit

Rebecca Nichols

Emily Pietrantozzi

Melissa Mavroides, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Melissa has been providing outstanding care for our dad over several years in an outpatient clinic. She is thorough, caring, and communicative during examinations and with follow-ups for labs or changes in status. We truly appreciate her kindness and attention to his medical needs.—Nominated by Alice Newell Melissa Mavroides, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Melissa is brilliant, sweet, and compassionate. She has endless patience with challenging patients and families who are often facing the most difficult, daunting time of their lives. She specializes in patients struggling with heart failure, and they love her. She becomes like a trusted family member to them. She provides highly skilled, expert care designed specifically for each patient’s needs, constantly monitoring and modifying the plan. She is extraordinary in her intelligence and devotion to her patients and her team. I cannot count the times I have heard Melissa’s patients rave about her. She is known throughout the hospital as an expert on heart failure.—Nominated by Nancy Todd

Arlene Stoller, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center Arlene is a nursing educator whose passion for improving care for geriatric patients is inspiring. Arlene teaches new nurses on Day One that we all matter—patients and staff alike. Arlene makes sure that every new nurse feels welcome and is well-prepared to care for patients. In her free time, Arlene volunteers for nursing organizations to ensure that nurses across the country have access to best practices for geriatric care. We are all getting older, and Arlene is making sure that the care we receive will be the best it can be. —Nominated by Karri Davis New England Baptist Hospital Kristen AuCoin, New England Baptist Hospital As a diabetic on an insulin pump, I was often alerted during the night that my glucose was low, so I needed to call for orange juice. Knowing that, Kristen always checked on me before I went to sleep, making sure that I had graham crackers and juice in case I needed it. That made me feel comfortable. When we chatted, we found we had a few connections. Again, this was comforting. After my back surgery, I couldn’t shower or wash my hair. Before I left for a rehab center, Kristen washed me, and (to my surprise) washed my hair with a dry shampoo with a bit of water. It looked really good. I’ve had many hospital stays, and she was definitely outstanding. A year later, I still think of how kind and caring Kristen was.—Nominated by Lillian DeBenedictis Winchester Hospital Maureen Celata, Winchester Hospital Maureen Celata, a member of Winchester Hospital’s post-anesthesia care unit, is an experienced nurse who is filled with care and compassion for others. She is the one you want to see when opening your eyes after surgery. She will be there to take care of you both physically and emotionally. Maureen never sits still and is always “cleaning house” and asking how she can help others when not busy with her own patients. She has taught many nurses in post-op care and is a truly special mentor. Winchester Hospital is very lucky to have her on their team.—Nominated by Terry Bomal Mackenzie Griffin, Winchester Hospital My daughter Caroline and her husband entered Winchester Hospital with eager and joyful anticipation. Their due date had come and gone, and they were more than ready to meet their firstborn. As a nurse mother with 45 years of clinical experience, I was hoping for a supremely uneventful delivery. That’s not what happened. Mackenzie immediately put me at ease with her warm and knowledgeable demeanor. I felt confident that she would provide the assessment, intervention, and reassurance that all deliveries call for. She was the perfect match for Caroline’s emotional needs and exactly what the upcoming situation would require. Caroline’s delivery was routine—until it wasn’t, due to the umbilical cord being wrapped around the baby’s neck and shoulder dystocia. Mackenzie recognized the situation and, being the true professional that she is, immediately summoned assistance. The result was a healthy nine-pound baby boy. I’m overjoyed at the care the entire OB team provided, but especially grateful for such a wonderful nurse. Every time I look at Daniel I am reminded of the miracle of life, the precariousness of birth, and the professional dynamics of the skilled Winchester OB team. I will always be grateful that Mackenzie was my daughter’s nurse.—Nominated by Judy Gallagher Brenda Roy, Winchester Hospital Brenda Roy is a uniquely dedicated longtime nurse who gives her all for her “Winchester family.” I have worked with Brenda for 20-plus years, and she never ceases to amaze me with her drive and spunk, her versatility, and her genuine care for her profession. Brenda is our most senior nursing supervisor, yet she runs circles around so many younger in years. She picks up many extra shifts, and nobody ever wonders if she will make it in a snowstorm—she always does. She is a valued mentor and leader with a wealth of knowledge and life experience. Brenda is a very special member of Winchester Hospital’s nursing supervisor team, and I want to let her know how much she is appreciated.—Nominated by Terry Bomal Brenda Vollmar, Winchester Hospital Brenda is a caring professional who helps me monitor critical INR (international normalized ratio) levels. Through her fine, efficient, and knowledgeable efforts I’m able to prevent a stroke. Thank you, Nurse Brenda. You’re a life saver.—Nominated by Harold MacCaughey

Melissa Mavroides

Lindsay Duphiney Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Emily Pietrantozzi Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Rebecca Nichols Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Melissa Mavroides Lahey Hospital & Medical Center