Sharlene M. Nixon, MSN, RN, Endoscopy
BWH mourns the loss of Sharlene M. Nixon, MSN, RN, of Endoscopy, who died unexpectedly Feb. 2, 2010, at age 56.
Her colleagues recall not only the meticulous care she provided to patients, but also the compassionate manner in which she connected with them.
“Sharlene epitomized the essence of a professional nurse; she was skilled, focused, dedicated and extraordinarily empathetic to patients,” said nursing director Sandra Cialfi, BSN, MBA, RN, CGRN. “Sharlene not only connected with her patients, but she reached out to her colleagues in quiet ways without fanfare or attention.”
Ms. Nixon, who joined BWH in 2003, had been a nurse for more than 38 years and set an inspiring example for her colleagues.
“I was so impressed by how she would always provide soothing music and dim the lights for patients; she did everything possible to make them as relaxed as possible during a procedure that makes many people anxious,” said colleague Traci Stanton, RN.
Her colleagues remember Ms. Nixon’s “old school” nature—she even ironed her scrubs.
“We will remember her 100 watt smile, the lightening fast cadence of her footsteps, her easy and boisterous laugh, her faith and tremendous empathy,” said colleague Barret Clarke, RN, speaking on behalf of many colleagues. “Most importantly, she leaves us with her uncompromising standard of compassionate and professional nursing care.”
John Saltzman, MD, director of Endoscopy, said, “Sharlene was a very special person. She was devoted to her family and her job and had seemingly endless energy. However, what I admired most was her always positive attitude. She is deeply missed by everyone in the Endoscopy Center.”
Ms. Nixon served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 25 years, retiring as captain. She was a Sigma Tau graduate of Curry College and earned her MSN at Anna Maria College.
She is survived by her brother, Ret. U.S. Marshall Thomas Nixon; two sisters, Donna Cooney and Karen McCarthy, RN, of BWH Ambulatory OB/GYN; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A memorial service was held May 13 at BWH.