AZ Blue Nurses Who Inspire Contest Winners!

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) is thrilled to announce the winners of our Nurses Who Inspire contest.

AZ Blue launched the contest to celebrate, recognize, and award inspirational nurses in Arizona. From the long hours worked and patient advocacy provided, to the care and comfort they champion – nurses are truly the heart of healthcare. We couldn’t inspire health without them!

Meet the five amazing winners!

Nurses Who Inspire winners

Haley Wright

• Haley has been a nurse for nearly two years.
• Where she works: Banner University Medical Center, Tucson Campus
• What she does: Haley works on the Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplant unit where she is a chemotherapy certified nurse, and a newly certified stem-cell transplant nurse.

“I am passionate about nursing because of the nurses who took care of my brother, James Jr. He was 15 years old when he lost his life to cancer and, while this was the most devastating chapter of my life, his nurses provided my family with so much hope and compassion. I knew that I wanted to make an impact on families the way they did mine. Now, I cherish the relationships I build with my patients and their families, and never take for granted the privilege I have to care for them in their most vulnerable state. I didn’t become a nurse for recognition – but this very sweet award fills my cup with gratitude and serves as a reminder of why I do what I do. This all is in memory of my sweet brother, James Jr., and every patient I care for.”

Nicole Hancock

• Nicole has been a nurse for nearly 3 years.
• Where she works: Terros Health
• What she does: Nicole is the Care Management Lead RN, working with the Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, which is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders.

“My passion for being a nurse stems from watching my father struggle with drug addiction and alcohol abuse. He was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma when I was 20 years old and passed away one year later. He suffered from addiction until the day he died, and I was there for all of it. As a recipient of the Nurses Who Inspire award, I am honored to be a voice for our patients who cannot advocate for themselves and those whose families have given up on them.”

Jami Fallert

• Jami has been a nurse for 13 years.
• Where she works: Banner Children's at Desert in Mesa
• What she does: Jami works in the Neonatal ICU.

“I've always wanted to be in healthcare, specifically pediatrics or NICU since I was a child. I'm passionate about nursing, especially in NICU because of the continuity of care I can provide for my patients. Even though it's not easy sometimes, I still push forward with providing the best care possible for my tiny patients and their families. It is so rewarding to know that I had a hand in helping them in the very beginnings of their little lives! I am thrilled to be receiving this award!

Susan Carroll 

• Susan has been a nurse for 21 years.
• Where she works: Dignity Health, Chandler Regional Medical Center
• What she does: Susan is a bedside nurse working the ICU and Cath Lab.

“I am beyond honored to receive this recognition. As a bedside nurse for 21 years, the number one thing that I’ve always done and will continue to do is treat every patient with compassion. Having the ability to communicate to patients and their families, while supporting them through their difficult journey, is the most important part of nursing. Many times, you are the liaison between patients, families, hospital regulations, and doctors. Education and support of the patients and family is key.”

Roxanne Fry

• Roxanne has been a nurse for 10 years.
• Where she works: Oro Valley Hospital
• What she does: Roxanne is an ICU float nurse, working as a bedside nurse in an acute care hospital setting.

“I am passionate about nursing because I love how the profession opens the door immediately to be able to help, love, and support the patient. I love how being a nurse becomes who you are as a person. It defines you unlike any other profession.”

Prize package for each winner:

• $1,000
• Diamondback Suite tickets for the July 28 game
• $300 Spa Gift Card
• $5,000 donation to an Arizona non-profit of their choice

Thank you to all who took the time to nominate your favorite nurse and a HUGE congratulations to the winners! This National Nurses Week, make sure you show extra appreciation for the nurses in your life.