Erica Palmiero practices nursing at Nichols Cottage, a Behavioral Health Unit for children (ages 5-11 years old) in a large psychiatric hospital. Even though she is caring and empathetic, she is also kind and firm, providing a much needed safe structure for patients and staff.

Erica is most times not in the nurse’s station but rather present with these very young patients. She keeps the children busy and content, having one-to-one chats to help these little ones feel comfortable and heard. She is clear and concise with rules and expectations while always being compassionate. She keeps the children laughing with her great sense of humor.

On a daily basis, Erica interacts with children who are having a difficult time. She will stay with a child who is upset. She talks with every child in such a manner that the patient is able to regain self-control and feel better. She will color, play cards, read a book, rub a back, or just be there.

From the nurse-colleague who nominated Erica for the DAISY Award, “Recently Erica gave exceptional care to a very emotionally and behaviorally dysregulated little girl who was in need of special care. Erica worked compassionately helping this child through her aggressive mood swings while maintaining a safe environment. She assisted with the child’s bathing and grooming activities which could be an hour of challenge every day. She was a key advocate in enlisting the proper resources when there was suspected abuse of this little girl in her home.”

Erica is viewed as an amazing nurse by her colleagues and Patient Care Director. She is a team-player, patient advocate, nurse educator, counselor, collaborator, and comedian.

We are proud of Erica and the hope she offers our littlest patients who suffer from serious mental illnesses. Erica is an extraordinary nurse who works in an extraordinary setting, with 100% dedication to the patients and staff on Nichols Cottage.