Southampton - Nicolasa Arevalo, a nurses aide in the Obstetrics Department at Southampton Hospital, has been chosen as the hospital's Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2009.

A luncheon was held in her honor last week, where Soutahmpton Hospital President and CEO, Robert Chaloner presented Arevalo with a trophy and various gifts recognizing her achievement.

A resident of Sag Harbor, Arevalo has been an employee of the hospital for nearly seven years. Her supervisors and co-workers shared some reasons why she deserved to be nominated, which prove that she is an extraordinary person. "Nicolasa's interpreter skills are used everyday and help to make our Spanish speaking patients feel more comfortable," said one co-worker. "Her positive attitude and big smile are a big part of why she is an invaluable asset to our department."