Nicole Bitar
April 2026
Nicole
Bitar
,
MSN, RN-BC
5 West
UMC Health System
Lubbock
,
TX
United States
Nicole’s actions reflect far more than going “above and beyond.” They embody what it truly means to be a nursing leader—someone who not only supports their staff but also recognizes the humanity behind every patient and family story.
It is with great admiration and respect that I nominate Nicole for recognition as an outstanding nursing leader who exemplifies exceptional compassion, selflessness, and dedication to both her team and the patients and families we serve.
Nicole consistently leads by example, but one particularly powerful moment stands out as a true reflection of her character and leadership.
When one of her nurses informed her that a patient on 5W—whose mother had been placed on comfort care and was not expected to survive the day—Nicole stepped in immediately without hesitation. Despite her already demanding responsibilities, she made it a priority to help create a meaningful and lasting memory for this patient during an unimaginably difficult time.
Nicole contacted Child Life specialists, she went to CICU to help record the patient’s mother’s heartbeat, and coordinated the placement of that recording into a Build-A-Bear—a keepsake that would provide comfort long after the loss.
Her compassion did not stop there. Recognizing the profound impact of this gesture, Nicole personally went to the mall to purchase an additional Build-A-Bear when the family, deeply touched, requested another one for the patient’s six-year-old niece.
Tragically, the patient’s mother passed away just hours later. As the patient’s siblings prepared to return to New Mexico that same evening—grieving the loss of their mother while leaving their brother (patient on 5W) hospitalized—Nicole once again demonstrated her unwavering compassion. She donated her own money to ensure the family ate a meal before their journey home, offering comfort and care beyond the walls of the hospital.
Nicole’s actions reflect far more than going “above and beyond.” They embody what it truly means to be a nursing leader—someone who not only supports their staff but also recognizes the humanity behind every patient and family story.
Her kindness, initiative, and genuine empathy have left a lasting impact on everyone involved and serve as an inspiration to all who work alongside her.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Nicole for this honor. She is a remarkable leader whose compassion and dedication set the highest standard for nursing excellence.
***
Nicole is also a DAISY Award Honoree!
Nicole consistently leads by example, but one particularly powerful moment stands out as a true reflection of her character and leadership.
When one of her nurses informed her that a patient on 5W—whose mother had been placed on comfort care and was not expected to survive the day—Nicole stepped in immediately without hesitation. Despite her already demanding responsibilities, she made it a priority to help create a meaningful and lasting memory for this patient during an unimaginably difficult time.
Nicole contacted Child Life specialists, she went to CICU to help record the patient’s mother’s heartbeat, and coordinated the placement of that recording into a Build-A-Bear—a keepsake that would provide comfort long after the loss.
Her compassion did not stop there. Recognizing the profound impact of this gesture, Nicole personally went to the mall to purchase an additional Build-A-Bear when the family, deeply touched, requested another one for the patient’s six-year-old niece.
Tragically, the patient’s mother passed away just hours later. As the patient’s siblings prepared to return to New Mexico that same evening—grieving the loss of their mother while leaving their brother (patient on 5W) hospitalized—Nicole once again demonstrated her unwavering compassion. She donated her own money to ensure the family ate a meal before their journey home, offering comfort and care beyond the walls of the hospital.
Nicole’s actions reflect far more than going “above and beyond.” They embody what it truly means to be a nursing leader—someone who not only supports their staff but also recognizes the humanity behind every patient and family story.
Her kindness, initiative, and genuine empathy have left a lasting impact on everyone involved and serve as an inspiration to all who work alongside her.
For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Nicole for this honor. She is a remarkable leader whose compassion and dedication set the highest standard for nursing excellence.
***
Nicole is also a DAISY Award Honoree!