Behind every great healthcare organization are nurses who make it work.

This National Nurses Week, we did something simple: we looked inside our own world to recognize some nursing professionals who have made a huge difference.

The nurses you're about to meet represent what's possible when healthcare organizations invest in keeping their frontline teams informed, supported, and empowered.

These nurses are caregivers, friends, and family of Firstup employees. We are so very grateful for all they have done and continue to do.

“Jen graciously answered all my questions during my pregnancy and was incredibly supportive when my daughter decided to enter the world several weeks early.”

“Shoutout to Kara, our NICU nurse at HonorHealth Shea in Scottsdale, for taking such great care of our little dude, Lachlan. Nurses truly are angels!”

“A true believer in the idea of ‘once a nurse, always a nurse,’ she has never stopped her commitment to care, learning, and giving back, even stepping out of retirement during the height of the COVID pandemic to administer vaccines.”

“She looked at me, grabbed my hand, and said she was my “bonus mom.” It was such a simple thing. It made me feel calmer, cared for, and not so alone going into something really scary!”

“My sister Kira has spent over 20 years delivering babies out of Broward General in Fort Lauderdale. She has delivered a few babies for the Miami Dolphins football team!”

“He’s been a nurse for over 7 years, with experience in the OR, ER, and now the cath lab at the VA hospital in Indianapolis. He has seen it all! Before nursing, he proudly served in the Marines, which is one reason he loves his job so much. He loves caring for other veterans—relating to their experiences and listening to their stories. I’m so proud of the way he shows up for his patients every day.”

“My oldest sister, Porche’, became a nurse several years ago. She recently started working as charge nurse in the trauma center at my alma mater, University of Michigan. (Go Blue!) She was critical to educating several parents in her local school district on the importance of vaccines, serving as a trusted advisor and friend. Porche’ inspired my youngest sister, NayNay, to enter nursing school. She is graduating early next year. They both take after my grandmother, Gloria, who dedicated her life to medicine. She was first a nurse back in the 50s, but later returned to medical school to become a surgeon!”

“Our daughter was born 6 weeks prematurely. Just a pound and a half. I want to thank all the NICU nurses out there doing the hard and great work. So much love!”

“Pam cares about people (despite her cranky Massachusetts attitude, lol). While I didn’t know her when she practiced nursing, her patients must have been in great hands if she treated them with even a fraction of the kindness and respect she exhibits to her colleagues and friends. Thanks for all that you do.”

“I'd like to call out my 91-year old mother, Joan. She graduated as an RN in 1957 and worked in the Ottawa Civic Hospital, as well as a labor and delivery nurse in Missouri and Texas. My sister, Janice, continues the family tradition as an RN in the Chicago area.”

What great communication makes possible

Our 2026 State of Nursing Communication Report found that 81% of nurses attribute patient care issues to organizational miscommunication, and 1 in 3 have considered leaving their department because of it.

The nurses featured here show what can happen on the other side of that equation; when organizations close the communication gap and help caregivers focus on what really matters: their patients.

Healthcare organizations that prioritize nurse communication don't just retain better nurses. They deliver better care. Period.