Southern California nurse retires after accident leaves her paralyzed [Video]

A Southern California nurse is ending her career on a bittersweet note after an accident left her paralyzed from the chest down.

Deanne Niedziela was a nurse director at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo who oversaw the Spine and Neuroscience Institute and Acute Care Service. She has worked for over 30 years in healthcare, dedicating her life to saving others.

She was on a dream vacation visiting waterfalls in Costa Rica that turned into tragedy after a tree limb fell down and crushed her spinal cord.

After a nine-hour life-saving surgery, Niedziela survived but she was paralyzed from the chest down.

“This is a tragic accident that happened to me, but it’s outside of my control,” Niedziela said. “I can’t turn back the calendar.”

Niedziela flew back home and for months, she spent her time recovering in the same hospital she dedicated her career to.

“I just really appreciate …