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She’s the teammate that allows for that deep exhale of relief when you see her walk in. She’s the coworker that is there by your side through the heaviest of shifts. She always prioritizes her patients and their families as the center of her care. Pulling up a chair to sit face to face with them, explaining every little detail to a new mother on what to expect and what every wire and beep means on her baby’s monitor. She has incredible patience and takes her time when educating the families of our tiniest patients. Diane puts forward the needs of her coworkers as well. Always offering to lend a hand to help decompress another nurse’s workload. Never looking for acknowledgment or a favor in return. Just a genuine hardworking nurse with the mentality of, we are all in this together.
Diane can be seen supporting not just the maternity and NICU staff, but the ED as well. Often, she assists with blood draws and IVs on pediatric patients that have come in from the community during the night. I watched her one-night place an IV on a child, calmly talking with the patient, helping to distract her with an ice pop and a show on her phone, patiently waiting to stick the child until some of the anxiety had dissipated and the child was less resistant. She built trust with the little girl just by the simple gesture of kindness. She also offered words of encouragement to the mother on bringing the child in to seek medical attention, supporting her and validating her fears.
She supports our Labor and Delivery unit as a baby nurse during some of our most high-risk stressful deliveries. She literally runs to the bedside when called to a code 100 bringing supplies and her expertise with her. She is immediately hands-on, professional and knowledgeable when responding to these very critical calls. If she isn’t the primary nurse, she is an outstanding first assistant. Running labs to the laboratory, escalating calls to a transport team, copying charts, pulling labs and writing report. There is no task too big or too small, Diane is willing to do whatever it takes to help. I know I speak for many when I say that when I see that Diane is on, I know we can get through anything. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a Northwell Registered Nurse.
The uniqueness of the NICU nurse here at Huntington can often get overlooked. These nurses are responsible for being able to cover so many different roles. Maternity nurse, admission nurse, NICU nurse, task assistant, discharge nurse, code 100 nurse to name a few. Diane fits into each roll effortlessly and gracefully. She is who you want by your side through thick and thin. I have learned so much about work ethics and professionalism from working with Diane and feel forever grateful and honored to get to call her my coworker.

This nomination was submitted by Amanda Pehanick, Assistant Manager, Patient Care.

*While only one nomination story is featured here, the nurse may have been nominated more than once by multiple colleagues. Every nominee will receive all the nominations submitted on their behalf.