Honor a Nurse
Each May, in honor of National Nurses Week (May 6-12), we recognize the incredible role Jefferson Health nurses play in providing exceptional care and compassion to patients.
It’s not too late to let our nurses know how much they’re valued by making a gift in their honor. Your gift to the Heart of Healthcare Nursing Fund will help support ongoing education, wellness initiatives, and professional development opportunities for Jefferson nurses all year long.
You can also submit a heartfelt message to a special nurse, or all nurses, to be added to our “Notes for Nurses” collection below.
Though a considerable time has passed since my visits to Jefferson's Department...
Anonymous
Featured
Thank you all for your genuine care in helping me get back my strength with...
Florence Matchner
My deepest gratitude goes to Lauren for her selfless dedication to my brother...
Judith Taimanglo
Featured
These nurses demonstrate the meaning of superstar in how they go out of...
Michael Yanofsky
Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and drive to help people...
Robert Fowler
Thanks to you all for your wonderful and kind service. And thanks to you...
Craig Anton
So proud of your nursing care at Jefferson and PPD. Love, Mom...
Ed Hansch
Keep doing what you do! You are being noticed! You may think that...
Kim Cubero
Featured
How can I ever "thank you" enough for helping me through this challenging..
Jimmy Jester
Tracy was super caring to both my wife and me when I was admitted...
Vaidyanathan Viswanathan Saunak
I delivered my first baby at Jefferson last year. All of the nurses were amazing...
Kathleen Betz
Thank you so much for your dedication to patients in the medical oncology...
Maureen M. Gavin
Thanks, Shelley, for your endless compassion for the senior rehab facility...
Donna Bowell
Thanks to all Jefferson nurses and a special thanks to my favorite nurse...
Edith Pepe
Thank you, Erin. We very much appreciate you and how well you do it!
Robert Mangham
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You truly make an impact on patients' lives. Thank you...
Catherine Hawke
Thank you for your excellent care over the years and for your care this winter...
Catherine Hawke
Thank you for everything you do. You and your fellow nurses are angels...
Brett Lambert
Proud of the loving care you share with others in need.
Kathleen Ziegler
I had both of my babies delivered via c-section after trying for a natural birth...
Jess P.
Thank you for your wonderful care and compassion. You make the patients in your...
Faye and Morty W.
Having been a nurse, having worked with outstanding nurses caring for patients...
Anita M.
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Words cannot express the gratitude I have for you. You have become...
Lyndon T.
I would like to thank all the nurses at Jefferson Bucks Hospital for the...
Colleen G.
You are an amazing nurse and role model. You are calm when things seem beyond....
Ruthie C.
Thank you for all your hard work and helping to keep everything...
Amy Dougherty
Sorry, we couldn’t find any results matching "." Please email giving@jefferson.edu for assistance.
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For questions, contact Margaret DeWyngaert, 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 above.
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.