Community leaders experience firsthand the clinical excellence, compassion, and culturally responsive care delivered by Brooklyn nurses

Brooklyn, NY, June 10, 2026 — On June 2, Maimonides Health welcomed community leaders, elected officials, and civic partners for its 20th Annual Nurse for a Day program, an immersive experience that offered participants a firsthand look at the vital role nurses play in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care across Brooklyn’s largest healthcare system. 

Participants traded their business attire for scrubs and shadowed Maimonides nurses throughout the day, observing patient rounds and gaining insight into the clinical expertise, compassion, and cultural sensitivity that define nursing care at Maimonides. Among the participants were New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés, New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif and Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Reverend Kim Council, along with representatives from community organizations, education, public safety, and healthcare advocacy groups across Brooklyn.

“Over the past two decades, Nurse for a Day has given community leaders a unique opportunity to experience the extraordinary work our nurses do every day,” said Tamar Motov, RN, MSN-CNL, Interim Chief Nursing Officer, Maimonides Health. “Our nurses are not only clinical experts—they are trusted advocates, educators, and caregivers who build meaningful relationships with patients from every background and culture represented in Brooklyn. We are proud to showcase the dedication and compassion that make Maimonides nursing so special.” 

Maimonides nurses care for one of the most diverse patient populations in New York City, providing culturally responsive care in dozens of languages and helping patients navigate complex medical decisions with dignity and respect. Through the Nurse for a Day experience, participants observed how nurses serve as a critical bridge between patients, families, and the healthcare system.

“Nurses are the backbone of our city. Getting to see first-hand the care they bring to our community members day in and day out is important as legislators and representatives of our community. It brings to light the need for resources to serve our neighbors in their toughest moments and helps us understand the struggles nurses face on the workforce,” said New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés. “Mary Anne, the amazing NICU nurse I followed, said that one of the most important parts of her job is building trust with the parents of her infant patients. In any kind of public service, building trust and leading with care is the most important thing we can be doing. It’s that kind of empathy that defines our communities in South Brooklyn, and something I’ll take with me as I continue to join our frontline workers in the fight for resources and positive workplace conditions at Maimonides.” 

Since its inception, Nurse for a Day has strengthened relationships between Maimonides Health and the communities it serves while highlighting the essential role nurses play in advancing health outcomes throughout Brooklyn. 

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