At Mountainside Medical Center, Lanie Peace, RN, is making a big impact – not just for her patients, but for the hospital as a whole. Her work in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) has been a source of inspiration to many.
“She is just one of those extraordinary people that you meet that really has a can-do attitude, that always leans in and really just gives her whole heart,” said David Pinksy, RN director at Mountainside.
“She is someone you can depend on without question,” added Marie Cho, RN manager. “When she is on the unit, I know everything is taken care of.”
“Being a Filipina, we are known for having an innate character of being loving, caring and nurturing,” said Peace. “At a young age, I already felt the calling to become a nurse and to serve others with compassion.”
Peace earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree from Perpetual Help College in Manila. At 21, she took her first job in pediatrics and nursing in Dubai, where she worked for 12 years.
“That experience gave me a strong foundation in compassionate, patient-centered care, especially for mothers and children.”
In 2003, Peace moved to the United States to continue her nursing career.
“My journey was not easy,” said Peace. “I made the difficult decision to leave my two children in the Philippines in the care of my siblings while I worked abroad. One of my sons has severe autism, which made that sacrifice even more challenging. Despite these hardships, I remained strong through determination, perseverance and faith in God. The sacrifices I made were driven by my desire to provide a better future for my family. Those experiences shaped my resilience, deepened my compassion and continue to inspire the care I give to my patients every day.”
“She treats them like family,” added Pinsky. “I think that’s where the connection is. You can tell – if there’s a patient having a problem and we throw Lanie in there, she just has the ability to fix it.”
Peace’s commitment to providing exceptional care was not unnoticed by her patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was awarded the DAISY Award, an internationally-recognized award that celebrates nurses who have demonstrated exceptional standards of clinical care.
“I was nominated by the family of a patient I cared for, whose mother passed during that difficult time,” said Peace. “They wrote a heartfelt letter expressing their gratitude for the care, compassion and support I provided. I did not expect any recognition – I simply cared for my patient with sincerity and compassion. That moment reminded me that even in the most difficult times, the care we give truly makes a lasting impact.”
Now, Peace works in the Progressive Care Unit, a 16-bed unit that houses some of the sickest patients in the hospital.
“Working in the PCU is very different from other hospital areas. It is intense, fast-paced, and emotionally demanding – but also deeply meaningful and rewarding,” said Peace. “It requires emotional strength, quick decision-making, compassion and patience when caring for critically ill patients and supporting their families.”
“Nurses on this unit must be vigilant, as the patients may make a turn for the worst at any time,” said Cho. “The unit demands strong clinical judgment, continuous assessment and the ability to escalate care without hesitation.”
Despite the challenges of working in such a demanding environment, Peace still loves nursing. When asked about her favorite part of being a nurse, Peace said, “It gives me a sense of purpose, knowing that even small acts of care can bring comfort, hope and healing.”
But nursing is not for the faint of heart. Anyone in scrubs will agree that nursing requires incredible strength of mind and spirit, and a relentless dedication to providing compassionate care.
“I think she get’s the whole point of – yes the work is busy – but it’s just about never losing that ability to connect to people and be compassionate and caring,” said Pinsky.
“Lanie is the kind of nurse I strive to be,” said Cho. “In all the years I’ve known her, her passion for caring for others has never wavered. I would not be where I am today without her encouragement. She believed in me when I was a new nurse and helped me grow into the nurse I am now. Her commitment to this profession is unwavering, and her impact is lasting.”
“Nursing is more than a profession – it is a calling,” said Peace. “It is not just about skills and knowledge, but about compassion, resilience and the quiet strength to care for others, even on the hardest days. I am proud to be a nurse. It is a role that stays with you, shaping not only the lives of your patients, but your own as well.”