Abby Pietropaolo, RN, is an incredible asset to Mount Nittany Medical Center’s Women and Children’s Services unit. She continually provides five-star care to expectant parents, and always goes above and beyond for her fellow colleagues. Recently, Pietropaolo was honored with a DAISY Award for exceeding the expectations of a new mom delivering at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

“I had Abby as a labor and delivery nurse at the delivery of my son and she was absolutely phenomenal! My son started showing abnormalities on the cardiac fetal monitoring system and she knew just what to do,” said Pietropaolo’s nominator. “She alerted the doctor in charge and then adjusted me into position to hasten our delivery in a safe fashion. She was so calm and at ease during what could have been a very difficult, potentially life-threatening situation. My son was born with the cord over his shoulder causing these issues, but delivered safely in her hands. I know that I could have been a difficult patient as a medical professional myself, and I know enough to be dangerous and prone to panic with health issues of my own. Abby kept me at ease and knew just what to do. She is phenomenal! If I ever were to have another baby, could I put in a request? She is a gem and a treasure to have at Mount Nittany Health.”

Pietropaolo has been providing award-winning care in the Women and Children’s Services unit for nine years. Before joining the Mount Nittany Health family, she worked at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital as a labor and delivery nurse. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Pennsylvania State University.

“Nursing is such a rewarding profession,” said Pietropaolo. “Every shift you have the opportunity to be part of extraordinary and important milestones in a patient’s life. I love the bond I can form with a patient in only 12 hours. It is such an honor to be there for one of their best days, and sometimes to be their strength on one of their worst days.”

Pietropaolo was humbled and grateful to be selected as a DAISY Award winner. She said, “I have always looked up to nurses who have received the DAISY Award. I can’t believe I am now one too! My colleagues are like family to me and have become some of my very best friends. We work so well together as a team. I am so lucky to work with the best.”

When she is not busy providing exceptional care to the community, Pietropaolo enjoys spending time with her family and attending Penn State sporting events. She appreciates the love and support of her husband, Dan Pietropaolo; their daughter, Chloe; and their cats, Oscar and Fritz.

Pietropaolo, thank you for your commitment to providing compassionate care and for contributing to our mission of “Healthier people, stronger community.”

Created by the family of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999, the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international program designed to recognize exceptional care in the nursing community. A global program with over 5,000 participating healthcare facilities across all 50 states and 31 countries, nurses throughout Mount Nittany Health have the opportunity to receive prestigious recognition as DAISY award recipients.

Anyone, including patients, families, visitors, volunteers, or staff can nominate a nurse for this esteemed award. If you are interested in nominating a deserving nurse or if you have any questions, please contact: daisyaward@mountnittany.org.