Honor Jefferson Nurses
We recognize the incredible role Jefferson nurses play in providing exceptional care and compassion to patients. Each May, in honor of National Nurses Week (May 6 -12), we invite grateful patients and friends like you to join us in recognizing the vital roles nurses play in healthcare every day, and showing appreciation for their commitment to our community.
It’s not too late to let our nurses know how much they’re valued by making a gift in their honor. Consider sharing a heartfelt thank you message to add to our “Notes for Nurses” collection as well. Nurses are at the heart and soul of our Jefferson community. By making a gift and sharing a note of gratitude, you honor a nurse who has been – Your Support System, Your Friend, Your Advocate. We wouldn’t be Jefferson without our outstanding nurses.
Featured
Nurse Erin went above and beyond for me today...
Timothy Hargadon
In honor of Joni Chernowski, who passes on to others the wonderful care...
David & Janet Lingrell
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Your time, education, and compassion for patients and their caregivers is unmatched..
Lauren Barbieri
Proud of the dedication and work you do every day by helping support breast cancer...
Edward Hansch
I’d like to thank all of the nurses who took care of me, and I have a special place..
Rich Sawyer
Thanks for all you did for me! All of you are amazing!...
Rob Westle
Your caring attention to my needs and concerns was so comforting and helpful...
Susan Bootel
Thank you so much for your expert care and friendly conversation during my stay...
Susan Bootel
You treated me with such compassion and care. Your work was so appreciated...
Susan Bootel
Thanks to Merve (and her preceptor Tori) for their great care and compassion...
Sally Hoy
You are so special to me. I am so proud of the work you do. Thank you!...
Gail Smith
Thank you for the dedication and compassion that you show our patients every day...
Lindsay Wilde
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Thank you for all you do! So proud of you two! Exciting things are ahead...
Donna Schannel
Thank you, Melissa; you truly are a wonderful nurse and person...
Barbara Siitonen
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You are all the best and I am so grateful for each of you. You've become...
Georgine James
Joanie is the definition of a nurse. She is kind, compassionate, patient, caring...
Amanda Chiclana
A more dedicated and caring nurse does not exist!...
Patricia Spetter and Family
My personal thanks and best wishes to all of you for taking such good care of me...
Michelle E.
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I truly had excellent care from every nurse during all three shifts...
Alex D.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate the care you have given me!...
Katie C.
Thank you for all your hard work and helping...
Mike B.
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Thank you for your wonderful care and compassion...
Karen A.
Thanks for always taking such good care of me. You are the best!
Heather Mahon
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Nurse Spotlights
Katie Eckert BSN, RN, CRRN Patient Care Coordinator of 2nd Floor Magee Rehab Hospital

Tell us about a patient experience that stands out to you?
During the initial wave of the pandemic, my unit became the Covid Rehab unit. At that point, we were still isolating patients who were persistently positive. There were some patients who were in isolation for multiple weeks and unable to see their families. We became their only primary human interaction. It was at that point in my career that I realized the true impact of my profession.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I was lucky enough to grow up with family members who were nurses. I used to love listening to their stories when I was younger. I was always intrigued by the profession.
If you could describe your Jefferson nursing experience in one word, what would it be?
Inspiring.
How would you describe your relationship with your fellow nurses and colleagues?
We are like a big family. We may not always get along, but at the end of the day, we are always there to help each other. The last few years have been challenging, but we got through it together. Although we struggled, we managed to laugh a lot along the way. I would not have been able to do it without them.
Why do you feel philanthropy is important? Or, why is philanthropy important for the field of nursing (such as donations to the Heart of Healthcare - Nursing Fund)?
Philanthropy is important because it gives individuals an opportunity to do something positive which, in return, can be very empowering.
Ian McComas, RN, BSN, CEN at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital
What inspired you to become a nurse?
After becoming an EMT, I learned how much I loved working on an ambulance and helping people in their time of need. I quickly came to the realization that my calling was to work in the ER instead of just taking people there. I felt that rather than stabilizing and transporting, as a nurse I could be more influential in the lives of my patients. There’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing you have made—or have tried to make—a positive impact on the lives of others in need.
How would you describe your relationship with your fellow nurses and colleagues?
I work with an amazing team of professionals who raise the bar on a daily basis through excellent clinical care and caring patient interactions. My work as an EMT for Kennedy made me the professional I am today, and my career as a nurse at Jefferson shapes me into the leader I’ll be in the future.
Why is philanthropy important for the field of nursing (such as donations to the Heart of Healthcare - Nursing Fund)?
Philanthropy can support nursing initiatives to improve positive patient outcomes. No matter how small the donation, it is a great benefit to help those in need by funding research and education to improve nursing care. Donations to healthcare organizations are beneficial, but the ultimate donation, organ donation, is beneficial to all of humanity.
Describe your Jefferson nursing experience in one word:
Transformative.
Michelle McCurdy, RN, Jefferson Bucks Hospital
How has being a nurse at Jefferson impacted your life?
Being a nurse at Jefferson Bucks Hospital has impacted my life by allowing me to have a career that I love. My job gives me the opportunity to make a difference and to help improve patient outcomes. I feel supported by hospital leadership to embrace my passion and provide compassionate care to each of my patients every day.
What inspired you to become a nurse?
I was inspired to become a nurse as a child. My mother was always in and out of the hospital. She would say, “I know I am sick, but nurses can make or break your stay! I find it amazing that when a nurse is being nice to me, it makes me feel so much better! But when a nurse is not nice, I feel so much worse!” I knew I wanted to be that nurse who made patients better when they weren’t feeling well!
How would you describe your relationship with your fellow nurses and colleagues?
My fellow nurses and colleagues at Jefferson have become close friends. I would even refer to some as family. We look to one another for support at work and at home. I have worked both night shifts and day shifts, and in both I have found some forever friends and family.
Describe being a Jefferson nurse in one word.
Advocate.
Diane Sirajudeen, RN, BSN, BMTCN; Bone Marrow Transplant Unit (BMT) 14 Pavilion, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

What inspired you to become a nurse?
I have always been interested in the medical field, but it wasn’t until I became a nurse aide that I realized what nursing has to offer. I saw how nurses put their whole hearts into caring for a patient, getting to know them so well that they shared not only their hardships, but also their joys.
How has being a nurse at Jefferson impacted your life?
As a nurse on BMT, I have the unique ability to get to know my patients over a longer period of time, and connect with them on another level. Our patients face some of their toughest battles while on our unit, but seeing their optimism and hope for the future even in the face of adversity is inspiring. Being a nurse has given me the opportunity to touch the lives of different people and make a difference.
Why is philanthropy important for the field of nursing (such as donations to the Heart of Healthcare - Nursing Fund)?
Philanthropy is important because it offers the opportunity for nurses to advance their education and hone their skills to provide quality patient care.
Describe your Jefferson nursing experience in one-word.
Compassion.
Brett Swiecinski BSN, RN Jefferson Abington Hospital, Oncology

How has being a nurse at Jefferson impacted your life?
Being a nurse on an oncology floor has been very rewarding. Seeing patients appreciate and value the extra time and effort that you spend with them makes the job fulfilling. I never imagined I would be treating oncology patients, but now I don’t see how I could do anything else.
Do you have a specific anecdote or story of a patient experience that stands out to you?
A patient was admitted after chemotherapy with difficulty swallowing and keeping down meals. We were able to work with a nutritionist to get the patient to enjoy a delicious smoothie. He was excited to be able to keep his drink down and was most appreciative of the effort from the staff. Although it was a relatively minor task, the extra effort was appreciated by the patient.
How would you describe your relationship with your fellow nurses and colleagues?
I greatly enjoy working with my co-workers, colleagues, and managers as everyone is compassionate and always willing to help one another. Working on this unit has allowed me to grow as a nurse and gain confidence in my nursing profession.
For questions, contact Kelly Brennan, Senior Director, Annual Giving at
AnnualGiving@jefferson.edu or 215-955-0229.
Happy Nurses Week
Take a moment to recognize the incredible courage and service of our nurses. Consider sharing a heartfelt thank you message to add to our “Notes for Nurses” collection below.