Aprille Matos, RN, was named a 2026 Chronicle Nurses Appreciation Award winner. Matos, a nurse at Tampa General Hospital North Crystal River, was surprised with the recognition. “I was … I was very pleasantly surprised,” she said. “Just completely caught off guard.”
Matos’ journey to nursing began in New York, where she was born in Manhattan and raised on Long Island. She moved to Florida in 1995 and initially worked in banking with a business degree. However, after losing her uncle in an ICU, she decided to pursue a career in nursing. “I just wanted to help,” she said. “I wanted to understand. I wanted to be an advocate for my family.” Matos is one of the recipients of the Chronicle’s Nurses Appreciation award for 2026.
The award ceremony took place at Tampa General Hospital North Crystal River, where Matos works. Co-workers and hospital staff congratulated her on the award. Marci Holder gave Matos a congratulatory hug during the ceremony. Matos celebrated with her co-workers, including Jonathan Noyes, Laurie Calcagino, Amanda Beasley, Chris Benson, Anna Moore, Linda Stockton.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
