We asked our readers to let us know what they admire most about the nurses in their lives who serve our community. Here are the responses:

Vicki Haber of Bayport, oncology

Nominated by: Michelle Rose

Vicki is living out her childhood dream of taking care of patients. With the support of her loving family, she was able to obtain her nursing degree later in life, when many people might have thought it was too late to follow their dreams. She spent countless hours away from her family, hours studying for tests, and so much time volunteering with our community ambulance company. She truly loves helping people and I am so proud of her for following her dreams. She is a true hero.

Erin Bourguignon of Sayville, director of nursing 

Nominated by: Brian Bourguignon

I admire the determination and drive that she has for her profession. Erin never gave up during the pandemic, working full-time and going to college full-time. She continuously pushes herself. In a few short months, she will have completed her doctorate.

Stefani Pagliuca of Blue Point, cardiac nurse practitioner

Nominated by: Jessica Johnson

What I admire most is her patience and compassion for her patients. She treats her patients with so much care and concern.

Mackenzie Moran of
Blue Point

Nominated by: Renee Moran

Mackenzie just finished LPN BOCES program (salutatorian) while working as a CNA at Stony Brook ER and at St. Charles. Her work ethic is second to none and [she] loves what she is doing. She won’t stop here. RN is next.

Caitlin Cusack of Oakdale, ER trauma

Nominated by: Ginger Cusack

There are so many reasons why I would nominate Caitlin. But the one reason that made me proud was her travel to Hawaii. She packed up and left for 10 months to work in Honolulu during their peak of the pandemic.