Nadia Vaughan, RN has a servant’s heart. As a nurse at BrightStar Care of Central DuPage / Wheaton, it’s her mission and calling to help people. Nadia’s client, who has a form of cerebral palsy, couldn’t walk after he had a seizure. Nadia’s goal was to make his muscles stronger through exercise so that he could hold his own weight and walk across the stage during his high-school graduation. Through the process, he learned to trust her and knew that she would never let him fall. Her client is now able to use a walker to get around.

Nomination Letters

by Diane Thorson, Director of Nursing Brightstar Care of DuPage/Wheaton; Michelle, Wheaton Warrenville School District #200 nurse; Robert, Santi’s classroom teacher

From Diane:

When we first met Santi, he was a shy 16-year-old boy living with Spina Bifida who had just moved into our territory from the city. His mobility at home was “scooching” on his bottom from which he had a long-time wound. His smile was infectious! And I knew we needed to find the right spunky RN to accompany him during the day while he attended High School. No easy feat to deal with High Schoolers, let alone one with special needs but Nadia has been a true blessing to everyone involved in Santi’s care. Almost a year later, it is heartwarming to see Santi exceling in so many areas! He is outgoing, has almost full inclusion in all High School activities because Nadia goes above and beyond offering to attend activities with him outside school hours like Homecoming Dance, game, and parade, his wound is healing (Nadia attended an out of state wound conference on her own!), and best of all he is now WALKING with a walker! Nadia is the only person he trusts to walk with him and their goal is for him to walk across the stage in May to receive his diploma!

From Michelle:

I have spoken with Nadia regarding Santi's care and family prior to this email. Since he began attending, Nadia has made him very comfortable in the new setting (last year 2019) and he began to engage with the other students and teachers within the classroom. Nadia has informed me of challenging situations within his home life that she has aided the family with, not just the care for Santi but also for his brothers and the physical care of the home. Nadia challenges and encourages him so that he is excelling in the school setting in all areas. He is walking in the halls, participating in PE, participating in classroom lessons that include things that he is unable to do related to his medical health (i.e. participating in nutritional lessons when he is not eating or drinking). His attitude is great and is a reflection of hers. Nadia consults with me when she has questions and to provide updates. Her record keeping is organized and available. Nadia helps the classroom staff in aiding not just Santi with things like crafts, but all students. She would be an excellent candidate for this award, and I truly hope that she wins.

From Robert:

When asked to provide examples of Nadia’s work and contributions, here’s what Robert shared:

Nadia promotes full inclusion opportunities for Santi to attend: Homecoming Dance, Homecoming Parade, After School social activities with Tiger Crew club.
Goes out of her way to interact with the entire class and student helpers throughout the day.
Creates a warm and welcoming environment for students to feel more comfortable around Santi.
Made a talent show video of Santi to show the community how he has helped create daily social interactions and friendships through the game of UNO.
Pioneering an informative workout video with the adapted PE class to help students learn the workouts.
Made a birthday video for classroom teacher (me) that gave students practice interviewing and talking into a microphone.
Great collaborator with the other nurse's and subs to help everyone stay current and leads the group in a professional way.
Carries through therapy work from OT and PT everyday with creative ways to work them into Santi's daily schedule.