Arleen Poppo, registered nurse at Winthrop-University Hospital, was in high school when her grandfather was diagnosed with bone cancer. His struggle with the disease and need for care impressed the young teen so much that during her senior year, she decided to become a nurse.

Her decision has since had a positive impact on the lives of many. For the past 20 years, the Massapequa resident has been a devoted employee of Winthrop-University Hospital, treating patients with compassionate care. Her continued excellence, and her commitment and dedication to patients, earned her recognition as Most Valuable Player for the month of November.

Mrs. Poppo, a staff nurse who is responsible for surgical patients, is often in charge of the 42-bed unit or the surgical step-down unit. She also maintains critical care skills and expertly handles any serious clinical situation, consistently going above and beyond to help. According to her supervisor, Lisa Cohen, RN, nurse manager, Mrs. Poppo is "the nurse everyone wants when they're ill. She epitomizes nursing at its professional best."

"Arleen is dedicated to the hospital, the unit and the patients," praised Ms. Cohen. "She demonstrates leadership skills, fosters teamwork and is also a great teacher who works well with new staff."

Mrs. Poppo earned her nursing degree at Adelphi University. She started with Winthrop as a student nurse, and has enjoyed watching the hospital grow over the past 20 years. But, it's the personal aspect of helping people that she finds most meaningful. "I like the difference I can make in people's lives. Recently a woman who had been depressed was discharged. It was rewarding to see her feeling better and in good spirits," she said.

Married to John for 18 years, she is the mother of two children, Jacqueline, 13 and James, 9. She spends her spare time with her family and particularly enjoyed watching her daughter play softball this past fall. Her hobby is collecting actors' autographs. A recent acquisition was a postcard from World War II signed by Clark Gable.