In a world where commitment to community and healthcare can often feel fleeting, Frank Morisano is a shining example of unwavering dedication. This week, we proudly honor him as the Nurse of the Week for his remarkable nursing contributions and deep-rooted service to the Staten Island community.

Born into a family with a rich tradition of firefighting, Morisano’s journey into service began long before he donned the scrubs of a registered nurse. His story is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding commitment to helping others. “This Staten Islander was born to serve,” and serve he has, through a career that spans over three decades and leaves an indelible mark on the lives he has touched.

Morisano began his professional life as a firefighter, joining the ranks of the FDNY during the peak of New York’s heroin epidemic. He faced the challenges of one of Manhattan’s most demanding neighborhoods with courage and conviction. His firefighting career was not merely about extinguishing flames but forging bonds and saving lives. This legacy of service continues today, as his son Nick has followed in his footsteps to become a member of New York City’s bravest.

However, life took an unexpected turn in 1988 when a career-ending injury forced Morisano to pivot. Undeterred, he transitioned to nursing, starting as a security guard at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) while pursuing his nursing degree. This determination paid off as he became a respected force within the neuroscience and emergency departments. “Looking back on my life, when I die, I still want to come back as me,” he reflects, embodying his pride for his time in service.

Morisano’s leadership qualities became evident early in his nursing career. Known for his selfless and nurturing approach, he became a mentor to countless colleagues, promoting growth and fostering a sense of community in the workplace. His impact was most pronounced during times of crisis, where his dual background as a firefighter and nurse proved invaluable.

During the tragic events of 9/11, Morisano played a critical role in hospital operations, managing the overwhelming influx of patients while mourning the loss of 40 friends and colleagues, including his entire firehouse crew. He recalls the harrowing experience, saying, “The tragedy left a deep personal mark.”

Morisano’s resilience was further tested during Hurricane Sandy. He managed hospital operations amid rising floodwaters while his son, a trainee EMT, braved the storm to assist others.

Most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Morisano’s leadership skills shone brightly as he provided administrative oversight of critical departments, navigating unprecedented challenges with calm precision. As his career evolved, he returned to his roots in community health, extending SIUH’s reach across Staten Island and building partnerships to improve healthcare access for underserved populations.

Morisano’s legacy is defined by his professional achievements and the lives he has touched. His initiatives, such as the AP Tech and EMT Scholarship programs, have paved the way for young Staten Islanders to pursue careers in healthcare, addressing workforce shortages while inspiring the next generation. His collaboration with the Joseph Maffeo Foundation to establish a new pediatric emergency department exemplifies his commitment to enhancing healthcare for all.

Now retired, Frank Morisano’s contributions to nursing and his community continue to resonate. He embodies the spirit of giving back, demonstrating that true leadership is measured not just by accolades but by the lives transformed along the way. As he reflects on his extraordinary journey, he leaves us with a powerful sentiment: “I’m going to look back on it with pride.”

In honoring Frank Morisano as the Nurse of the Week, we celebrate his remarkable career and his profound impact as a firefighter, nurse, and community leader. His story serves as a reminder of the power of service and the importance of giving back, inspiring us to follow in his footsteps.

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.

The post Frank Morisano: Nurse of the Week – A Legacy of Service and Leadership first appeared on Daily Nurse.