Profile of a Nurse - Gabrielle Del Gatto, RN

A passion for nursing shines through in everything Mercy Hospital’s Gabrielle Del Gatto, RN, does.

For Gabrielle, becoming a nurse was always about helping people. Although when contemplating nursing as her vocation she was initially nervous about the science coursework, everyone around her always said she was meant to be a nurse. Ultimately, her heart led her to the profession.

Gabrielle shared that one of the greatest honors of nursing is being there for patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Whether she is helping alleviate pain, holding a patient’s hand or simply offering a comforting presence, she believes nursing is about humanizing care and making people feel seen, safe and supported.

As a medical-surgical nurse, Gabrielle loves that no two days are ever the same. She cares for a wide variety of patients and thrives in the fast-paced environment, all while building meaningful connections with those in her care.

One moment that confirmed she was exactly where she was meant to be came shortly after completing orientation at Catholic Health in 2024. Gabrielle formed such a strong bond with a patient and their family that they became like an extension of her own family. Also, just five months into her nursing career, she was nominated for a DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award—an honor that she says still leaves her in astonishment. For Gabrielle, it was affirmation that nursing was truly her calling.

“I may be part of a patient’s life for only a short time, but if I can make him or her feel cared for, respected and less afraid, then I know I’ve made a difference,” she said.

She also credits her faith for guiding her through challenging days and said working at Catholic Health feels like exactly where she is meant to be.

When asked what nursing means to her, Gabrielle became emotional, describing it as one of the highest honors and greatest responsibilities. She believes nurses are advocates, protectors and the last line of defense for their patients.

“We get to know them beyond their medical treatments,” she shared. “We get to show them love and keep them safe.”

Her advice for anyone considering a career in nursing is simple but powerful: “Your heart has to be in it. The skills will come, but you have to truly love people and be empathetic.”