Recent nursing graduate recognized for exceptional patient care at JFK North Hospital
June, 2026 – HCI College, a private healthcare-focused postsecondary institution with campuses in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale, announced that nursing graduate Nigel Williams has received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition honoring nurses who provide exceptional clinical care and compassion to patients and their families.
Williams, a member of HCI College’s 2025 graduating class, earned the award less than a year after entering the nursing profession. He currently serves on the Three East acute care unit at JFK North Hospital, where he was nominated by a patient’s family for his attentiveness, professionalism and commitment to patient-centered care.
According to the nomination, Williams took time to explain medications, answer questions and provide support to both the patient and family throughout their hospital stay.
“We are incredibly proud of Nigel and this well-deserved recognition,” said David Shelpman, Group Campus President and COO at HCI College. “The DAISY Award reflects the highest standards of nursing excellence, and Nigel’s achievement demonstrates the impact HCI College graduates are making throughout South Florida.”
The DAISY Foundation recognizes nurses whose clinical expertise and compassionate care make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families. Williams said he was surprised to learn he had been selected for the award.
“I was totally shocked,” said Williams. “I treat every patient the same way. I take the time to listen, answer questions and make sure they feel cared for. To be recognized for something that I try to do every day is incredibly meaningful.”
Before pursuing nursing, Williams worked as a pharmacy technician while balancing a second full-time job. He selected HCI College because its flexible scheduling allowed him to continue working while completing his education. Williams credits HCI College faculty and clinical instructors with helping shape his approach to patient care.
“A big thing our professors taught us was to always take the time to treat the patient with empathy and care,” Williams said. “Nothing else matters. That’s why I take the time to talk with my patients, learn their story and understand what’s going on in their lives.”
Williams plans to continue advancing his career in psychiatric nursing and ultimately become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
HCI College offers career-focused healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for success in today’s healthcare workforce through hands-on training, experienced faculty and real-world clinical experiences. For more information about HCI College’s nursing programs, visit https://www.hci.edu/.
About HCI College:
HCI College is a private, accredited postsecondary school in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale with ACEN accredited associate degree programs in Nursing, and diploma programs for Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, and Veterinary Assisting. HCI College is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and licensed by the Florida Department of Education – Commission for Independent Education (CIE). HCI’s programs are designed to instill the knowledge and skills of professional practice and foster the values of higher education and social responsibility. HCI College faculty consists of experienced practitioners and educators. Instruction involves classroom and hands-on experience with experienced professionals in the pre-hospital and hospital environments.
