Nicole Paneto Ortiz, RN

Nicole doesn’t have superpowers, nor did she save babies from a burning orphanage. However, she is a hero—my hero. I watched her, day in and day out, perform her duties with such grace and skill. Her compassion for people was immeasurable. Every one of her patients felt like family. She was the someone to somebody who had no one, and the light that pulls you out of the worst darkness.

My wife was admitted right before the holidays, and she was not too hopeful. Nicole helped her think of a plan and then carried it out with her. If we had questions, she had answers. And on the rare occasion she didn’t, she found someone who did. Her smile was infectious. We felt like we had known her for years—like family. My wife never felt embarrassed or like a burden. The genuine kindness and compassion Nicole showed to every one of her patients—and even to me, a regular nightly visitor—are in a category of their own.

Even if she isn’t chosen, she is a hopeful ray of sunshine, and with sunshine comes flowers.

“To know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived—that is to have succeeded.”

Thank you, Nicole! Words cannot express how thankful I am that our paths crossed. Hug that precious fur baby of yours. Thank you for helping me when my wife missed hers. So, take that “baby nurse” title and throw it out the first open window. You, madam, in my eyes, are one of the best. People should be so lucky to have a nurse with even half of your grace and compassion. You are destined for greatness.

Thank you for being the very definition of compassion, skill, dedication, and integrity.