Local nurse earns hero award during National Nurses Week

Nurses are some of the everyday heroes that work hard day in and day out. And Wednesday, one local nurse was honored for his work and dedication.

Homes for Heroes surprised the unsuspecting nurse in a room full of Memorial Hospital employees.

Peter Gaffney was given the Hero Award.

Gaffney, who often works with seriously ill patients, says he treats patients and families as if he were in their shoes.

He wants others to know that nurses aren't robots, and they do whatever they can to make patients feel comfortable.

"We may not be able to fix everything, but we can be people that bring comforting words and comforting care when their loved ones are near the end," Gaffney said.

He also wanted to recognize his colleagues for their hard work.

The award was given today as part of National Nurses Week.