June 3, 2005

In memoriam: Jean M. Nardini, RN, MSN

Jean M. Nardini, RN, MSN, (left) who served as nurse manager in the MGH Hemodialysis Unit, died May 23 after a long illness. She was 61.

Nardini was recruited into the emerging field of hemodialysis nursing in the late 1960s, and during the ensuing 35 years helped create, build and shape the MGH program into today's premier center for the care of patients with end-stage renal disease. Nardini quickly established herself as an expert resource in the field of hemodialysis nursing throughout the MGH community, as well as nationally and internationally.

Her colleagues describe Nardini as a woman who could quickly sense what was needed in any situation and then do the right thing. She could be direct, outspoken and willing to go to the mat one minute, and then the next minute switch gears and provide a kind, caring and sympathetic shoulder to a staff member facing a personal problem.

"She took charge and ran the show in a way that inspired confidence and trust," says Nyla Shellito, RN, a nurse in the Hemodialysis Unit who worked with Nardini for more than two decades. "Jean also knew how to poke fun at herself, and she was masterful at lightening a tense moment with a well-placed, well-timed quip. We loved her, and we miss her terribly."

Nina Tolkoff-Rubin, MD, director of the Hemodialysis Unit and Renal Transplant Unit, says that Nardini was tough but always fair. "Jean was an extraordinary teacher of nurses, scores of physicians and fellows and always a compassionate and articulate patient advocate," Tolkoff-Rubin says. "She never lost her love of working in the trenches and getting her hands dirty. She was truly a force of nature."

In recognition of Nardini's many contributions to the hospital, the Jean M. Nardini, RN, Nurse of Distinction Award was established to honor nursing practice characterized by trust and wisdom. Nardini was the first recipient of the award, receiving it May 10 on her last visit to the unit. In a similar ongoing tribute, the MGH Board of Trustees has approved a plan to raise funds to name the place that grew and flourished under her expert and caring eye — the Jean M. Nardini, RN, Hemodialysis Unit.