When I think of extraordinarily caring and compassionate nurses, I think of Victoria Piombo. She spreads her wisdom, laughter, and special touch here at NYU Langone in Riverhead. She wears many hats as a Registered Nurse in a multi-specialty facility and does it with class and professionalism. Her duties are inclusive of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, and because of previous experience, Rheumatology infusions. She takes a special interest in the disease process, as well as the mental and emotional state of her patients. They ask for her by name if they notice she is not in the infusion suite, because they know she will treat them with respect, make them smile, and share her hearty laughter with them.

Being one of only two full-time Registered Nurses at the time, with assistance and support from the Riverhead team, she took on additional responsibilities while the other nurse was out on paternity leave. With a full plate at work, and with terminal illness in her immediate family, she came to work, she smiled, she cried and trudged six or seven huge laundry bags down the hall like a stealthy ninja every Friday morning. During this time, when any other person would be half present, her dedication to the patients and their health, saved a patient's life, quite literally. In the pre-op area, instead of having their colonoscopy procedure, her assessment skills coupled with critical thinking were instrumental in sending the patient to the Emergency Department where they found massive clotting. Vickie does not miss a beat with kindness, genuine gratitude to her co-workers, or loyalty to her profession.