Ms. Hickey joined BWH in 1981 and served most recently as associate chief nurse for Emergency Medicine, Medical/Surgical units, Neuroscience units, Orthopedics, IV Therapy, Float Pool Staffing, Dialysis & Infusion, Blood Donor Center, Endoscopy and the General Clinical Research Center for nearly a decade. She leaves a legacy as a compassionate nursing leader who was dedicated to supporting her colleagues and fostering the most compassionate patient- and family-centered care at BWH.
“Nancy was devoted to the Brigham and touched so many lives here,” said Leo Buckley, Jr., MBA, executive director of business operations for Patient Care Services. “She made everyone around her feel welcome and cared for.”
Jackie Somerville, PhD, RN, chief nursing officer and senior vice president for Patient Care Services, noted Ms. Hickey’s remarkable capacity for connecting with people. “Whether it was a patient awaiting test results or a colleague needing advice or guidance, Nancy always knew how to lift up those around her and ease their burdens. She will be remembered as a passionate voice and leader in the profession she so dearly loved.”
Known as an extraordinary mentor and coach to her nursing peers, Ms. Hickey believed in helping every person reach his or her full potential. In 2001, she was honored with BWH’s Dennis J. Thomson Leadership Award, in recognition and celebration of her outstanding leadership marked by courage, character, composure, competency, deep respect for others and commitment to the highest-quality patient care.
“Nancy was an exceptional role model,” said Ron M. Walls, MD, executive vice president and chief operating officer of BWHC. “She brought the highest degree of intelligence, skill and professionalism to everything she did, pairing it with an enduring empathy that made everyone feel so much better for her presence.”
Roula Kerins, BSN, RN, nurse-in-charge on Shapiro 6 and 7, worked with Ms. Hickey for 22 years at BWH. “Nancy was my nurse manager, role model, mentor and leader, but most of all, she was my friend,” said Kerins. “Her compassion, comfort and acceptance will always inspire me to be the best nurse I can be.”
Born in Boston, Ms. Hickey graduated from Norwood High School and Salem State College. She earned her MS from Simmons College. Ms. Hickey loved rock music and attending the concerts of her favorite bands.
She is survived by her loving husband, Billy Hickey, her sons, Billy and Kevin, and her sister, Joan, as well as additional family and friends.
Information about a BWH memorial service will be forthcoming.
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