Meet the Nurse Choir
Introducing the Nurse Choir
“It became a healing journey for many of us. We harnessed the power of music to heal others and ourselves,” shared a member of the Nurse Choir from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.
During the peak of the global pandemic, New York faced unprecedented challenges. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, the state's largest private health system, treated countless patients during this time. Amidst the turmoil, the Nurse Choir emerged, offering hope and healing.
Who comprises the Nurse Choir?
The Nurse Choir consists of 18 nurses from NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York's largest private health system with 23 hospitals. This group of frontline nurses came together amid the pandemic, using music to epitomize the collaboration, teamwork, and sacrifice shown by healthcare workers nationwide.
The choir members include:
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Cardiac Nurse: Enjoys cooking, singing, and patient education.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – PACU Nurse: An avid singer, a devout mother of three, and an active church member.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: Besides singing and nursing, advocates for disability rights.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner: Juggling work and PhD studies, cherishes family time, ballroom dancing, and singing.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Registered Nurse: Inspired by her mother's care, communicates through song with her son who has special needs.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Hematology-Oncology Nurse: Loves dancing and Netflix. Nursing runs in her family.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Registered Nurse: Passionate about travel and Italian cuisine, sings to NICU babies.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Cardiothoracic ICU Nurse: A chemistry teacher who loves cooking, began singing in high school.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Assistant Nurse Manager: A travel and singing enthusiast, cherishes her nursing career.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Registered Nurse: Passionate about singing and lactation consulting, helping mothers connect with their babies.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Director of Perioperative Services: With over 40 years in nursing, values family, especially her children.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Float Registered Nurse: A skilled musician, plays guitar, beatboxes, and raps.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Nurse Case Manager: Inspired by her mother, a mother of four, has been an ED nurse for nearly 30 years.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Nurse: Childhood hospital experiences inspired her to become a pediatric nurse.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Assistant Nurse Manager: Enjoys travel, fitness, playing piano and saxophone, and family time.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Nurse Educator: Passionate about patient education, and with his partner, also at NewYork-Presbyterian, they are parents of young children.
- NewYork-Presbyterian – Nurse Manager: Loves travel and family time, grateful for music leading her to the choir.
What's their story? How did they begin?
Each member of the Nurse Choir is a healthcare hero. While providing exceptional patient care during New York's COVID-19 battle, an email invited the nursing staff to submit 30-second virtual auditions for a song at a celebrity concert supporting Nurse Heroes Live on Thanksgiving.
Selected members recorded "Stand by Me" or "Lean on Me," with videos compiled for the show. Their performance raised awareness for the global nursing shortage and nursing scholarships. The response led to an invitation to compete on NBC's America’s Got Talent. Meeting for rehearsals marked their first in-person encounter.
The choir charmed national audiences. Their enthusiastic reception led to celebrity host Howie Mandel using the "Golden Buzzer" to advance them to the finals. Although they didn't win, the Nurse Choir inspired the nation.
Where have they performed?
Post-America's Got Talent, the Nurse Choir continues to inspire. They've performed at several venues, including:
- In December 2021, at Carnegie Hall, celebrating the return of live performances post-pandemic.
- At a national nursing conference, where they sang alongside a photo montage of nurses during the pandemic.
- They performed at In Performance at The White House: Spirit of the Season.
- Appeared on Live with Kelly and Ryan for a Christmas special.
- Attended the Time Person of the Year Awards.
- Opened for Train at Jones Beach Theater in June 2022.
- Performed at Fenway Park for Nurses Night.
- On March 17, 2022, they led the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade with other essential workers.
What's next for the choir?
While no new events are currently scheduled, their recent performance as Train's opening act hints at future opportunities. Meanwhile, they continue to serve as exceptional ambassadors for their organization, highlighting the nursing profession through song.
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