For seven years, Brianna Oliver has been a nurse-home visitor with Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (NFP), a maternal-child program that pairs registered nurses with expectant families for ongoing home visits. When the program first started in 2011, she interviewed for the role – but it wasn’t a good fit at the time. However, Brianna always felt the calling to be a nurse-home visitor.

“I have always had a heart to serve others,” said Brianna. “And when I worked in NICU, I saw a gap in prenatal education. I always knew that someday I would be doing this job!”

Throughout pregnancy and until the child turns two years old, Brianna visits families approximately every two weeks, delivering trusted information about breastfeeding, child development, safe sleep and more. Beyond education, she also spends time with parents, focusing on their goals and barriers they want to overcome.

“I think of this work as my passion,” said Brianna. “After seven years, I’m thankful and grateful to be able to contribute to society in this way. I want families to feel like they are cared for and that they matter.”

When she was selected as one of the Nurses of the Year by Goodwill NFP leadership and her colleagues, her passion felt reaffirmed and she knew she was right where she needed to be. The accolade is presented to Goodwill NFP nurses who surpass expectations and showcase extraordinary kindness, leadership and collaboration.

“It’s an honor to be recognized when you’re surrounded by so many that deserve the same recognition,” said Brianna. “It gives me the encouragement to continue doing the work each day.”

For Brianna, she can see the effects of the work each day as well. Over time, as parents build relationships with their nurses, they reach toward their goals in different aspects of life. Whether they want to become a great parent, move into a better home, further their education or find a fulfilling career, the connection between nurse and parent provides the confidence needed for success.

“I’m most fulfilled by my job when I hear a mom describe herself as a great mom and sees herself the same way I have seen her,” said Brianna. “I am lucky to have a career that means so much to me.”

Since 2011, Goodwill NFP has served over 10,000 families. To learn more about Goodwill NFP or enroll, visit goodwillnfp.org.