Olean General Hospital (OGH), a Kaleida Health facility, is proud to recognize Gabrielle Schulze, BSN, RN, as the recipient of the 2026 Second Quarter Nightingale Award, an honor that recognizes nurses who exemplify excellence in patient care, compassion, leadership and professionalism.
Schulze, who has served patients at Olean General Hospital in the med-surg department since she started in June 2021, was selected for her commitment to providing exceptional care and support to patients, families and colleagues.
“Gabrielle has consistently demonstrated the compassion, professionalism and dedication that define excellence in nursing care. This nurse brings a calming presence to every patient interaction, especially during stressful or emotionally difficult situations. Her patience, empathy and genuine compassion are evident in the way she cares for patients and families alike,” said her nomination. “She treats every patient as if they were a member of her own family, including those who may be challenging or require extra support and understanding.”
Her nomination continued, “One of the most remarkable qualities Gabrielle possesses is her stamina and commitment to high-quality care. Whether at the beginning of a shift or at 3 a.m., she consistently provides the same level of kindness, attentiveness and professionalism. Patients and families frequently recognize her exceptional care, and leadership rounding has resulted in numerous compliments praising her compassion, communication and dedication.”
In regards to her leadership as a nurse, her nomination stated, “Gabrielle is routinely trusted in leadership roles as both a preceptor and charge nurse. She serves as a confident and dependable resource for coworkers while fostering a supportive and positive work environment. New nurses naturally look to her as a role model because of her clinical judgment, teamwork and ability to lead with both confidence and kindness.”
For Schulze, nursing has always been about serving others and making a difference in her community.
“I first wanted to become a nurse because my mother decided to go to nursing school when I was growing up,” Schulze said. “I saw how important of a job it was through the passion my mom had for the career, and I wanted to make a positive impact by giving back to the community.”
A graduate of Jamestown Community College, where she earned her associate degree in nursing, and Daemen University, where she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Schulze said she values the opportunity to care for patients in the community she calls home.
“I was raised in Olean and am happy to be able to care for people in my hometown,” she said. “I really enjoy being part of a profession where I can help people through what might be the worst time of their life. OGH offers great opportunities to learn and has many different career paths for people in the medical field, and I am grateful for the time that I have spent here.”
The Nightingale Award is presented quarterly to nurses who demonstrate exceptional clinical skill, compassionate care, leadership and dedication to the nursing profession.
“Gabby represents the very best of nursing at Olean General Hospital,” said Jennifer Ruggles, MSN, RN, chief nursing officer. “Her commitment to her patients, support of her colleagues and passion for serving our community make her highly deserving of this recognition. We are proud to honor her with the Nightingale Award.”
Other nominees included: Natalie Brown, RN; Alyssa Carlin, RN; Autumn Freer, RN; Morgen Kasprzyk, RN; April Pettit, RN; Karen Prosser, RN; and Tonie Westlake, RN.
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