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Emergency Nurses Week is an annual celebration dedicated to those who selflessly devote themselves to their patients. This year, Broward Health nurses were recognized with proclamations by the cities of Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach and Fort Lauderdale for their contributions during the pandemic and beyond.

Broward Health Medical Center

Sandra Marte, RN, Emergency Department

Sandra Marte is a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at Broward Health Medical Center, where for nearly two years she has helped care for patients in the Level I trauma center. As an ED nurse, Marte works alongside a multidisciplinary team of physicians, therapists, and other specialists to treat and manage patients’ emergent conditions.

“There are many things that I can say are my favorite about being a nurse, but the one thing that comes to mind is not knowing what will come through those doors,” she said. “It can be a common cold or a life-threating condition that requires all-hands-on deck. The adrenaline-induced environment keeps the job from ever being boring.”


Marte is a professional member of the Emergency Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association.  She received her associate’s degree in nursing from Queensborough Community College in New York and obtained her bachelor’s degree in nursing from American Sentinel College in Connecticut.

Broward Health North

Sakea Roper, BSN, RN, critical care nurse in emergency department

Growing up, Sakea Roper, BSN, RN, always knew she wanted to help others and make a difference. Right out of high school she got her nursing assistant certification and her associates degree in chemical dependency counseling from Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, MD. It wasn’t until she moved to Florida and earned her BSN degree from Jacksonville University that she began to focus on her nursing career. In 2012, Sakea got her first nursing job when she was hired as a nursing assistant at Broward Health North. In 2017, she transferred to the emergency department and accepted a position as a critical care nurse. In the emergency department Roper found that working in a fast-paced environment was exhilarating and gave her the opportunity to learn new skills.

“Working in the ER during the pandemic has challenged me and showed that having compassion can go a long way, especially when caring for COVID patients who are not allowed to have visitors,” said Roper. “Oftentimes I am their only lifeline during a critical period, and I hold their hand and communicate with their family,”

Outside of saving lives, Roper enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. She is currently working towards her MSN degree.

Broward Health Imperial Point

Emanuele Simeone, RN

Emergency Department

For Emanuele Simeone, R.N., a typical day in the Emergency Department at Broward Health Imperial includes teamwork, acting quickly and caring for patients. Simeone has worked his entire nursing career in emergency medicine and joined Broward Health Imperial Point about a year ago, swiftly becoming a valued member of the team.

“I love the fast-paced environment of our Emergency Department,” he said. “I also like being able to help a patient when they are most in need.”

Inspired by his father, Simeone strives to help people daily with the Emergency Department’s multidisciplinary caregivers. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science and Nursing from Sapienza University of Rome in Italy.

Broward Health Coral Springs

Lilly Bozas-Popick, RN, Emergency Department

Lilly Bozas-Popick, R.N., began her career with Broward Health 28 years ago as an Emergency Department technician and unit secretary while pursuing her nursing education. Following graduation, Bozas-Popick worked in the telemetry unit at Broward Health North before returning to Broward Health Coral Springs the following year as an ED nurse. She proudly continues to serve in emergency medicine.

“My career in nursing has been a passionate journey and has provided me with a plethora of opportunities of which I am truly proud,” Bozas-Popick said, speaking of her administrative role with the Florida Division of Disaster Medical Assistance Team and her experience responding to federal emergencies. Bozas-Popick has also been an adjunct instructor for 15 years at Broward College, where she teaches advanced cardiovascular life support, pediatric advanced life support, and nursing simulation, and she teaches a trauma nursing core course for Broward Health.

Bozas-Popick has a master’s degree in nursing from Nova Southeastern University, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida Atlantic University and an Associate of Science in Nursing from Broward College.