Two nurse member leaders from 1199SEIU Florida recently were excited to attend the 2025 Nurse of Distinction Awards Gala in New York City which celebrates the achievements of talented and committed caregivers.

Supported by the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds, the annual affair honors “the professionalism, dedication and leadership of 1199SEIU nurses.” The event has been a highlight of National Nurses Week for more than a decade, recognizing honorees for “demonstrating exemplary work ethics and a commitment to excellence in the face of challenges such as short staffing and other healthcare workplace issues.”

Florida nurses Karlene Gordon and Chloe Polce joined 1199SEIU Florida Executive Vice President Roxey Nelson for the gala at the iconic New York Hilton Midtown along the Avenue of the Americas.  About 1,000 nurses, community leaders, elected officials, union executives, as well as hospital and healthcare industry representatives were on hand for the celebration.

“Our 1199SEIU Florida nurses are incredibly talented and committed to serving patients, their co-workers and communities,” said Nelson. “I’m very proud to have joined them in this ceremony which was a moment of love, and a display of caregivers and employers partnering together.”

Currently an RN at HSA North Shore Medical Center in Miami and a nurse since 1989, Gordon called the awards gala “amazing, I can’t stop talking about it.” She said she appreciates being treated to an extravagant evening in New York City and for the support from her union family every day as a Florida caregiver. “It’s that support and special experiences like this that make it much more than just getting a paycheck.

Polce, 22, earned her LPN degree about two years ago because she wants to help and care for people in her community. Her first nursing job is at HCA Florida Largo Hospital and joined 1199SEIU soon after because she saw how her union and fellow members “always have your back.” She called the Nurse of Distinction gala “totally beautiful and impressive of how big and established our organization is in New York” and what we’re working toward here in Florida.