Waltham caregivers recognized in Boston Globe special section ‘Salute to Nurses’

Two Waltham residents have been recognized for their leadership and exceptional patient care as part of a regional nursing honors program.

Stephanie David, a registered nurse and nurse manager at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston, and Jimmy Orangio, a nurse in the transplant unit at Boston Children’s Hospital, were both named in the 2026 “Salute to Nurses” special report published in The Boston Globe in early May.

The annual feature highlights nurses across specialties whose work has saved lives and improved patients’ quality of life.

David was nominated by Susan Graff Tolman, associate chief nursing officer at Hebrew SeniorLife.

“I am pleased to recognize nurse manager Stephanie David for her contributions to our team,” Tolman wrote in the nomination. “As a newer member of the leadership group, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated compassion, integrity, and dedication to both patients and staff.”

“She promotes a culture of collaboration, respect, and accountability,” Tolman wrote. “Stephanie brings a positive and steady presence to the workplace, helping to foster a supportive and productive environment. She exemplifies strong nursing leadership and is well-deserving of this recognition.”

Orangio, who graduated from Waltham High School in 2020, was nominated by Elizabeth Bates, a parent of a child treated at Children’s.

“From the very beginning of Griffin’s diagnosis, Jimmy has been more than a nurse to our family — he has been a steady, compassionate presence during one of the most overwhelming seasons of our lives,” she wrote. She also noted Orangio’s “exceptional clinical competency” and similarly exceptional communication skills.

“Jimmy has made a profound difference in our experience. His compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication embody the very best of nursing. Our family will always be grateful for the way he has cared not only for Griffin, but for us as well.”