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Nora has been a beacon of hope and compassion throughout her life. Affectionately nicknamed “Nurse Nightingale of the Neighborhood,” she has spent decades pouring her heart and soul into caring for others. As a seasoned ICU nurse in a Hospital in New York City, she navigated countless days and nights attending to critical cases, always praying for strength and wisdom to guide her.
Although now retired, Nora has embraced her calling with renewed fervor, devoting her life to helping those in her community and church. Whether she’s tending to a neighbor’s wound care or providing a comforting presence to someone in pain, Nora’s ministry of kindness and healing reflects the light and love of Jesus. Her tireless service is not bound by career but by faith, knowing her purpose lies in spreading grace and mercy
Today – I had an incredible blessing and opportunity to sit down with Nora to learn more about her incredible journey, her faith-driven service, and what keeps her heart firmly rooted in helping others. Let’s get into the interview and learn more about this kindhearted nurse, that goes above and beyond the call of her calling!
CD: Nora, your nickname, “Nurse Nightingale of the Neighborhood,” speaks volumes about the love and respect your community holds for you. How do you feel about that title?
NORA: Oh, I’m humbled, truly. It’s not a title I ever asked for, but if being called “Nurse Nightingale” reflects the love I try to show to others, then I’m grateful. I believe it’s all God working through me—He gets the glory for anything good I’ve been able to do.
CD: Amen! Nora, you have spent years in the ICU which must have been both demanding and rewarding. What led you to choose such a challenging field?
NORA: I didn’t choose it – I felt it was always His well and purpose for my life. You know, I felt God calling me to nursing even as a young girl. My parents used to say I had the heart of a caretaker. I wanted to be there for people during their hardest moments—to bring comfort, healing, and peace. The ICU was intense, yes, but it was where I knew I could serve Him fully. Every decision I made, every life I touched—it was all prayerfully guided, by my LORD above. It truly was all His guidance.
CD: Wow- that is so true! God is truly always in control. Now that you’re retired, you’re busier than ever, serving neighbors and your church. What drives you to keep going?
NORA: It’s the joy I find in helping others that keeps me going. Take “Mr. H” for example. He’s battling cancer and couldn’t afford the nurses and the home services for wound care. His insurance company wouldn’t pay for more than one treatment a week. When I heard about his situation, it was clear to me that God wanted me to step in. Helping him wasn’t just about dressing wounds; it was about showing him the love of Jesus. And every time I help someone like him, I feel closer to Christ myself. We spoke about Jesus the whole time usually – so it was a blessing for us both.
CD: That is so touching – wow! Many people would take a well-earned rest in retirement, but you see it as another chapter of ministry. The motivation that keeps you going is clearly your faith, as I hear it and see it. Can you tell me a little more about that aspect please?
NORA: Of course, I’d love to expand about the LORD. I believe retirement is just a new season in God’s plan for me. I don’t think His calling stops when we reach a certain age. I often imagine standing before Him one day and hearing, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Until that moment comes, I’ll keep serving. As long as I’m breathing, capable and a viable living human encased in my flesh – I’m still going to keep moving. Whether it’s cooking a meal for someone in need- or visiting a shut-in member of the church-each act of service is an act of worship. And a direct line of obedience to the One above. It’s all about Him, not me!
CD: Nora, your faith and love for the LORD is so palpable! I love hearing and seeing your enthusiasm. Can you also tell us what role your Christian faith plays in the way you serve others?
NORA: Sure. My faith is everything. I can’t imagine doing what I do without Jesus guiding me. In the ICU, I relied on prayer to carry me through tough shifts. Now, I lean on Him to lead me to those who need help. I’m always reminded of Matthew 25:40, where Jesus says that when we serve the least of these, we’re serving Him. That’s exactly how I see my calling—serving others as a way to honor Him. It’s His voice I follow, His commandments that fill my heart. And His love that keeps me fueled in loving others, just as He wants us to.
CD: (My eyes water up here – her passion is so intense, it’s powerful and encouraging) Thank you for that answer! Amazing. Okay -Let’s talk challenges. Whether in the hospital or in the neighborhood, what’s been the hardest part of your journey?
NORA: There have been times when the emotional toll felt heavy—losing patients, seeing families grieve, after being told about their diagnosis, or their demise. The patients were all “my family” and it was as if my family member was going through it. But through it all, Jesus and prayer has been my anchor. Now, in retirement, I’ve faced challenges like navigating healthcare issues for neighbors or dealing with my own fatigue and growing old with certain medical maladies. But I always remind myself that God equips those He calls. He gives me strength when mine runs out, and He fills my tank when I’m running on empty! So, I’m good to go!
CD: Nora. What an amazing servant you are. You’ve inspired so many with your ways and compassion. And now I’m sure you will do so to the readers as well. What advice would you give to someone who feels called to serve but doesn’t know where to start?
NORA: Start small and let God lead you. Helping others doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be helping someone carry groceries, visiting someone who’s lonely, or cooking a meal for a family in need. Bringing one single flower to a lonely neighbor. Any small act of kindness or loving gesture really helps. You’d be surprised by how much. Also, and most important – pray for guidance, and He’ll show you where you’re needed. Remember, every single act of kindness reflects His love.
CD: So true, so true, Amen. Okay and Nora -finally, what legacy do you hope your work leaves behind?
NORA: I hope people see that serving others is a privilege and honor and a way to draw closer to Jesus. I want others to know that no matter their age or circumstances, they can truly make a difference. My prayer is that my story encourages others to open their hearts to His calling and to share His love in their own unique ways. We each have a calling, and they’re according to His will and purpose. He decides what they are. We just have to follow Him in obedience and do it, period!
CD: Nora, thank you for sharing your incredible story. It’s evident that your faith and compassion have left a lasting impact on so many, and I’m quite certain many more to come in the future. It was an honor and blessing to interview you and to hear your love for the LORD and for others. Again, it was palpable and moving to say the very least.
NORA: Oh Camille – you are so very welcome! In fact, I’d like to thank you for affording me the opportunity to share. My prayer is that every word points back to the One and Only Jesus Christ and that He will continue to inspire others to serve with joy.
“Heavenly Father, we thank Thee for Thy faithful servant, Nora, who serves with love, humility, and dedication. Bless her hands, strengthen her heart, and guide her path as she continues Thy work. May her story inspire others to follow Thy example and to spread Thy light in a world that needs it. Let Thy peace and joy fill her days, and may she always know the depth of Thy love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Matt 25:35-36 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Matt 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Special Note: Many thanks to all the “Nora’s” out there who have tirelessly served following their calling as Nurses and who willingly care for their patients with love and devotion, and who answer the “call” from above…
Many people in this field of healthcare have shown care and compassion to our family multiple times during our life’s journey thus far. They come into a room and display kindness and compassion. We felt important as they reached out in their personal ways to brighten the moments. Perhaps some people haven’t had these positive experiences but those who have, see these care givers to be such a blessing as they lift up the inward spirits of the sick or hurting.
That be said, those who know the Lord intimately are extra special and the fruit of the Spirit is evidence in them. They are not only concern for the health of those who they come alongside to serve but are concerned for their need to know the Savior and the Lord is pleased that they are willing to let Him take control of their lives in ways that can touch individuals in a deeper way to draw them to Himself.
I appreciate Nora’s desire to use her gift of helping others with no means of making money off them for personal gain. They respect her for her wisdom, willingness, and commitment.
This really does touch the hearts of people who find her to be genuinely interested in their lives and need advice or a helping hand.
Thank you for a wonderful interview. You asked good questions that brought out the way a Christian ought to be compared with the way this world actually operates.
God bless all those who have a real purpose to make life here for others a better journey though the maze of reality that tries to block our way towards the necessary solutions in life and for their eternal destination.
Cora,
Thank you for your appreciated and heartfelt comments about this interview. Yes, I totally concur with you on every point you’ve so eloquently stated. The fruits of the Spirit are so apparent by the overwhelming generous and compassionate individuals, who display obvious care and respect to those they encounter. There are many like Nora, the problem is we very rarely hear about positive moments, the “media” seem to thrive on negative and chaotic scenarios.
Thanks again Cora for your insight!
God Bless you~