Shira (Ambush) Nadel ‘11 - Bala Cynwyd, PA

Shira completed many of her pre-nursing classes and BA requirements at WITS/Maalot, after which she continued on to Towson University, graduating with a BSN degree. The majority of her career has been at the bedside, in both high-acuity medicine floors and Emergency Departments. In addition to her outstanding clinical skills, Shira's natural level-headedness, empathy and compassion enabled her to connect with her patients on a personal level, often going the extra mile to care for the 'whole patient,' providing whatever extra physical or emotional comfort would benefit them. During the early COVID outbreak, her exemplary dedication was brought to the next level when, in addition to working 16+ hours in stuffy protective gear, Shira became a liaison for frantic families wanting to know their loved ones' medical status, and needing a reassuring presence to check in on them. One very grateful patient felt he owed his life to Shira's care and was gratified to attend and perform at Shira's wedding the following year. But that is not all! Shira applies her skills to all areas of her life, and when she left bedside nursing for an administrative position, she took a second job working in a professional kiruv organization, The Chevrah, and double-times learning with fellow neighborhood members exploring Judaism, hosting Shabbos meals (including gourmet and varied weekly menus), and creating fun, engaging and informative holiday related programming. This is all done with her signature flair and positivity, earning her a beloved place in her community and the admiration of her family and friends from afar. Shira indeed 'spreads the light' of Torah and chessed in both her personal and professional life and deserves to be nominated as an example of the values imparted in WITS/Maalot's kodesh and chol programs.