June 2026 Honoree
Nikki (Nicole) Vargus, BSN
I was in labor with my first baby on the night that Nikki took care of me. From the minute she stepped into the room, she had a warmth and feeling of compassion that was palpable. She introduced herself and shared about herself during a vulnerable time for us to express her “why” for nursing and what led her to her new job.
One thing that stood out about her was her ability to verbalize everything as she did it. As a patient, even one who works in a hospital but in a different role, it was extremely helpful to hear her talk through things as she did them to help me and my husband feel at ease.
When my water broke and I called her, she came running in with excitement and support during a moment of unease. She continuously stated that she was so happy to be there for me and to not worry about any mess that my body was making. During that moment, I continuously expressed gratitude for her, but I know that she was just being herself.
Earlier in the shift, I expressed to Nikki that I was worried about the epidural. She provided validation and support and reiterated that she would be there every step of the way. As the anesthesiologist came in quickly, she saw the fear in my eyes, and she said, “Do you want to hold onto me?” I nodded my head, and she said, “Grab on to my neck. I won’t let you move if my life depends on it.”
In this moment, and in every moment thereafter that I have reflected on this experience, I cannot express the gratitude that I have for her. She treated me like she wanted her family members to be treated. She had never met me, and she did not have to offer this type of support, but she wanted to. My husband was in awe of the support that she gave me so that he could be there for me in other ways.
She continued to provide the highest level of care that I have ever experienced, and I can never say thank you enough. When it was shift change, I shed a few tears because I truly could never have imagined better care.
Nikki is beyond deserving of this award, and any patient that has her is beyond lucky.
One thing that stood out about her was her ability to verbalize everything as she did it. As a patient, even one who works in a hospital but in a different role, it was extremely helpful to hear her talk through things as she did them to help me and my husband feel at ease.
When my water broke and I called her, she came running in with excitement and support during a moment of unease. She continuously stated that she was so happy to be there for me and to not worry about any mess that my body was making. During that moment, I continuously expressed gratitude for her, but I know that she was just being herself.
Earlier in the shift, I expressed to Nikki that I was worried about the epidural. She provided validation and support and reiterated that she would be there every step of the way. As the anesthesiologist came in quickly, she saw the fear in my eyes, and she said, “Do you want to hold onto me?” I nodded my head, and she said, “Grab on to my neck. I won’t let you move if my life depends on it.”
In this moment, and in every moment thereafter that I have reflected on this experience, I cannot express the gratitude that I have for her. She treated me like she wanted her family members to be treated. She had never met me, and she did not have to offer this type of support, but she wanted to. My husband was in awe of the support that she gave me so that he could be there for me in other ways.
She continued to provide the highest level of care that I have ever experienced, and I can never say thank you enough. When it was shift change, I shed a few tears because I truly could never have imagined better care.
Nikki is beyond deserving of this award, and any patient that has her is beyond lucky.
Thank you, Nikki (Nicole), for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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