Delaware County nurse Trina Smith helping advocate for women with intellectual disabilities

SPRINGFIELD, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Out of hundreds of nominations, three amazing nurses have been picked for the 7th annual Celebrate Caring awards by Independence Blue Cross.

Trina Smith's nursing career came almost by accident. She wasn't sure what she would do after high school, until she joined a family member applying at Fair Acres Nursing Center in Delaware County.

"They hired me as a nursing assistant. I loved it. I loved it. I loved my coworkers. I loved the residents," she says.

After time there and at Taylor Hospital, a nursing instructor urged Trina to become a licensed practical nurse.

"I went home. I spoke with my mom about it and she said - go for it!" she recalls.

And 25 years later, she's a healthcare coordinator at Divine Providence Village, a home for women with intellectual disabilities.

"We advocate for them and we make sure their voice is heard," Trina says. "Sometimes they can't convey what their needs are."

But Trina didn't stop there.

From a family member's struggle with substance abuse, she got the idea for Trinity Transitional House, for women trying to prevent or overcome homelessness. She launched it in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The late Paula Sunshine of Independence Blue Cross created the Celebrate Caring Awards to spotlight nurses like Trina who go above and beyond.

Trina first thought the call from the health insurer was about one of her residents - not her.

"Until she said 'We had a contest, and you were nominated.' And I was like, what?" she says with a laugh.

"Patient care is just the tip of the iceberg," says Koleen Cavanaugh, senior vice-president of marketing with Independence Blue Cross. "It's unbelievable the work that they're doing and the impact that they have."

"I truly believe that taking care of people is my purpose. That's what God placed me here to do," Trina says.

Trina's also been a parent and foster parent!

For her accomplishments, Trina will receive a $500 gift card, and a $2,500 donation that will go toward the work of Trinity Transitional.