Nurses are directly involved in almost all aspects of a hospital and to commemorate the work they do, Butler Health System is holding an awards ceremony Saturday to honor one of its own with a Cameos of Caring Award.

Terri Isacco is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. The Mount Chestnut woman is also a certified hospice and palliative nurse.

In her 25 years of nursing, Isacco has worked in various departments with the hospital and is currently in palliative care, according to the hospital announcement for the award.

Created in 1999, the award honors “exceptional bedside nurses” with the aim of increasing public awareness about careers in nursing and help recruit nurses.

“I live to make a difference,” Isacco said in a prepared statement. “In nursing, this is possible at many levels.”

Isacco said that she was inspired by her mother and other nurses who cared for her when she was younger and ill.

“My mom certainly talked about nursing, that was her own personal goal. Back in the day you couldn't be a nurse and be married so she chose my family,” Isacco said.

As a child, she suffered from spinal meningitis and recalls “not even being able to sit up on the ride to the Pittsburgh hospital. I remember bright lights in the tunnels. It was very frightening.”

After she recovered, she joined her two sisters in becoming a nurse. Over the years, Isacco was a nursing assistant, team leader, care manager and educator.

“Most rewarding are the 'wins,'” Isacco said. “Connecting patient need with community resources or supporting a patient overwhelmed with a serious diagnosis they just can't wrap their minds around is a win.”

She continued, “when a patient is facing death and you help alleviate fear, provide comfort and peace for them and their loved ones — that's a win.”

She said that her team helps patients with emotional and spiritual support, too.

“Yes, a lot of patients are close to death and that's what frightens them to come,” she said. “Some of them are afraid. They think of us as the last line but we're not. Our folks get treatment. We're helping them through tough times. Yes, many die here, but a lot learn to live better and longer with our support. We're not hospice.”

Isacco said her job could also be emotionally draining for her and her team but they support each other.

“Among our team, we're extremely supportive of each other. That's where we get a great sense of renewal. We have a chaplain that prays for us, which I find helpful,” Isacco said. “If I were in a similar situation I pray someone will be there for me and that keeps me coming back.”

The award ceremony will be held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

Terri Isacco