Each May, the Fairfax County Health Department recognizes National Nurses Month as a celebration of the tremendous impact that public health nurses have on wellness and wellbeing across our communities. As part of the celebration, the Health Department selects a Public Health Nurse who exhibits essential of an outstanding nurse, including a caring nature, empathic attitude, emotional stability, adaptability, hard work, quick thinking, physical endurance, good judgment, and strong communication skills. These qualities represent the FCHD’s “Health Nurse of the Year.” On April 17, that honor was bestowed upon Vivienne Goldstein, a Public Health Nurse Manager who serves in the FCHD’s School Health program.
“Receiving this recognition is deeply meaningful,” said Vivienne. “But the real reward is seeing the impact of our collective work. I am constantly inspired by the diversity of expertise my nursing team brings to the table. Their dedication motivates me to be a better advocate for our families. “
Vivienne is recognized not just as a nurse, but also as a leader, a mentor, a problem-solver, and an advocate. With professional experience beyond healthcare, Vivienne brings a unique and valuable perspective to her work. She understands systems, efficiency, and strategy, and she applies that insight to improve processes and outcomes within the school health program. She is not only clinically strong, but operationally savvy, an increasingly important combination in today’s complex healthcare environment.
“Today, we recognize not just a nurse, but a leader, a mentor, a problem-solver, and an advocate,” said Brian Hochstrasse the Health Department’s Assistant Director of School Health. “We recognize someone who strengthens our system, uplifts her colleagues, and transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.”
Vivienne’s resourcefulness, combined with her technical proficiency and efficiency, ensures that she remains a step ahead in a world where information evolves constantly, benefiting everyone around her. Her impact is felt in countless ways—through the students she’s supported, the families she’s reassured, the colleagues she’s guided, and the profession she continues to elevate.
“My passion lies in the intersection of health and education, said Vivienne. “By ensuring students have access to quality medical care and connecting families with the right resource, we aren't just treating a diagnosis; we are removing barriers to learning. I love knowing that the work we do helps these students lead healthier, more focused lives, giving them a fair shot at reaching their full potential.”
As we honor Vivienne, and all of our nurses this month, it is crucial to acknowledge the breadth of their contributions. They are the trusted hand of health and wellness, the voice of calm in emergencies, and the guiding light toward healthier, stronger communities. Public health nurses, in particular, embody the spirit of service and resilience that National Nurses Month is designed to celebrate.