Franciscan Hospital for Children Nurse Wins Prestigious Compassionate Patient Care Award

Nicholas Barry, RN, BSN recognized by Labouré College for his dedication to nursing and his patients

(Boston, MA – June 12, 2015) – Franciscan Hospital for Children, the leading pediatric rehabilitation center in New England, is proud to announce that Nicholas Barry, RN, has been presented with the Labouré College Compassionate Patient Care Award. Barry has been a nurse in the Inpatient Rehabilitation program at Franciscan Hospital for Children for four years. Barry accepted the award at a ceremony at Labouré College on June 4, 2015.

Hundreds of nominations were submitted for this prestigious award and only four winners were selected, including Barry. In order to qualify, a nurse must go above and beyond the call of duty and provide exceptional patient care to one or many of his or her patients.

The nomination letter submitted for Barry told an incredible and heartbreaking story of an extra-special bond that he formed with a three-year-old girl, Alisha. Alisha quickly befriended Nick while she was a patient at Franciscan Hospital for Children after suffering complications during her battle with an aggressive brain tumor.   Unfortunately, Alisha’s condition deteriorated, when he was off duty and he quickly went to her side. His presence went unnoticed at first as Alisha was barely conscious when he arrived.  In Alisha’s final moments, she noticed her favorite nurse (and friend) and in only a wisp of a voice, she began to sing her favorite song with him, “Let it Go” from “Frozen.”

Barry’s nominators recognized the profound impact he had on Alisha and her family and felt that his devotion to his patients reflected exactly the type of compassionate caregiving Labouré was seeking.   “Nursing isn’t about the alarms and bells, it’s about making genuine connections with patients.  The quality of life that we are able to help give people goes beyond words and I’m so pleased that we could honor Nick in this way,” said Laurette Hughes, Nursing Leader at Franciscan Hospital for Children.

Barry received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2010. Prior to his tenure at Franciscan Hospital for Children, he worked at Penacook Place in Haverhill, Mass. He currently resides in Somerville, Mass.

About Franciscan Hospital for Children

Franciscan Hospital for Children, located in Boston’s neighborhood of Brighton, is the leading pediatric rehabilitation center in New England.  The hospital offers medical, behavioral and educational services for children with complex issues requiring interdisciplinary care. For more information on the hospital, visit www.franciscanchildrens.org, find it on Facebook or follow it on Twitter @FranciscanHFC.