Lauren Rizzo and Maggie Hopkins, two compassionate nurses at the renowned John Theurer Cancer Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, under Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), view their role as more than just a job. To them, nursing is a calling, a profound opportunity to positively impact the lives of their most vulnerable patients who are courageously battling against illness.
Recognizing their unwavering commitment to their patients at the John Theurer Cancer Center, Daily Nurse is honored to name Lauren Rizzo and Maggie Hopkins as the Nurses of the Week. Their selflessness and passion for the nursing profession shine brightly in their daily interactions with those in need.
Lauren Rizzo, a registered nurse in the infusion center at JTCC, once found herself on the other side of the hospital bed as a patient diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the tender age of 10. Having undergone two years of treatment, she vividly recalls the impact her nurses had on her recovery journey. Inspired by their care and dedication, Rizzo pursued a career in nursing, driven by her desire to give back and support others during their most challenging times.
“I always joked I was on the nurses’ schedule because I would be at the hospital three days a week, 12 hours at a time. I had written papers in middle and high school about my heroes – and it was always the nurses who took care of me. My mom says, wouldn’t nursing be great to pursue? So, I went to nursing school, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Rizzo says.
A registered nurse for eight years, Rizzo also volunteers at a camp she once attended for children going through chemotherapy. She says her calling to care for others is her full circle moment.
“I really feel like I can empathize with our patients during the toughest times. I lost my hair, I gained weight, I was throwing up, I understand what they’re going through. I can give back in ways I didn’t know I could,” Rizzo says.
Maggie Hopkins, on the other hand, transitioned into nursing as a second career after spending years as a veterinary technician. With 16 years of nursing experience at HMH, Hopkins emphasizes that it’s never too late to follow your passion. Drawn to JTCC due to her own experience as a cancer survivor, Hopkins finds solace in connecting with and bringing joy to her patients during their toughest moments.
“I spent the first 15 years working in NICU as a staff nurse, and then just one day, I realized I wanted a change. One of the great things about nursing is that there are so many departments you can go to. The thing that drew me to JTCC is I’m a survivor myself – I am coming up on five years of remission! So, these are my people,” Hopkins says.
“The best part of my day is when I can connect with someone. If I can make them laugh or give them some joy during a tough time, I’ve really accomplished something,” she adds.
Rizzo and Hopkins highlight the importance of supporting and uplifting the next generation of nurses amidst the ongoing challenges in the healthcare industry. They find solace in the heartfelt “thank you’s” from their loved ones, colleagues, and patients, recognizing the value of their work and dedication.
For Rizzo, the camaraderie and support from fellow nurses who share her unwavering dedication to the profession are invaluable. The bond they share in serving their patients with compassion and excellence is truly special and drives them to continue making a difference every day.
In the eyes of Lauren Rizzo and Maggie Hopkins, nursing is not just a profession—it’s a profound calling to care, support, and uplift those in need, embodying the true essence of compassion and selflessness in the healthcare field.
Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.
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