Nicole Carlo, ASN, RN

Nicole came into every shift as my nurse and demonstrated every standard. I had a massive 15-hour surgery followed by 2 emergencies surgeries after that, and Nicole made all the difference in helping me get through it. She not only championed me when I was doing well, like walking the halls for the first time, but also prayed for me during the hard times. I was faced with many unknowns, from an emergency tracheostomy to leech therapy, and Nicole was there through it all. When I doubted I could make it through, she pushed me to remember what I had been through and how strong I am, and to keep going. She took pride in being there for me, from helping me bathe to brushing my hair, so it wasn’t a mess. She was there for me, the whole 12-hour shift each time. Talking to me even though I couldn’t talk back. Telling me stories and making me feel normal, like a person rather than a patient. Her compassion reached not only me but my family. She became family. The journey for me was rough and hard, and I don’t think I would’ve made it without her. She went above and beyond in caring for me, and I will always remember that.