2019 Cameos of Caring Program® Award. Ms. Isacco was nominated by her
colleagues for this distinction and will be recognized at the 19th annual
Cameos of Caring Program® and Awards Gala on Saturday, November 2,
2019 at the David L. Lawrence Convention center in Pittsburgh, PA.
The Cameos of Caring Program® and Awards Gala was created in 1999
to honor exceptional bedside nurses. The goals of the program are to honor
outstanding nurses, increase public awareness of the nursing profession
and help recruit the next generation of nurses.
Terri Isacco stated, “I live to make a difference. In nursing this
is possible at many levels.” Early in life Terri was inspired by
a mom who had an unrealized dream of becoming a nurse. Overcoming personal
illness early in life, Terri found herself in the hands of caring, compassionate
nurses. This experience confirmed that Terri (and her two sisters) inherited
the same calling, becoming nurses and fulfilling their mother’s dream.
In her over 25 year career at BHS, Terri has served on many key health
system committees and initiatives and gone from a nursing assistant, to
team leader, to case manager, to educator and beyond. But perhaps the
most rewarding is her current role in Palliative Care.
Terri states, “Most rewarding are the ‘wins’. 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. Seeing them beginning to cope better, move forward with a plan
and live with their diagnosis – that’s a win. 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.” Building
relationships is a strength with both her patients and her colleagues.
Terri supports patients and the community as a whole through her involvement
in palliative care programs such as music therapy, the annual community
memorial service and Navigating the New Me.
“Terri’s exceptional care, compassionate heart, and cheerful
personality truly exemplifies what the essence of nursing can and should
be. We are honored to have her at the helm of our palliative care clinic.”
– The BHS Palliative Care Team
Terri is married and the proud parent of 3 successful children and six
grandchildren. She is active in her community and attends Community Alliance Church.
Photo cutline: 2019 Cameos of Caring Program® Award recipients, Terri
Isacco, RN BSN CHPN