It is with great pleasure and sincerity that I recommend Agnes Ramirez for the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses. If anyone deserves to win this award it is Agnes. Agnes exemplifies the epitome of what the DAISY Award represents. As a child, Agnes had always wanted to be a nurse and she acted upon her passion to help people by entering into the nursing profession. Her passion for helping others and determination to make a difference in a patient’s life has not changed since that moment in time when she knew that she wanted to be a nurse.

Agnes has been a nurse for approximately thirty years, and she has worked on H-green for approximately ten years. Agnes is aware of the importance of establishing a positive nurse - patient relationship based upon mutual trust and respect therefore; it is not unusual for Agnes to be seen quite often at the patient’s bedside engaging the patient in conversation to get to know the patient as a person by the process of storytelling. Agnes demonstrates compassion to all patients and her personality is such, that she seems to break down the walls of the cultural barriers and easily establishes trust and respect from her patients and family members. Agnes utilizes this process because she is aware that story telling fosters a deeper understanding of the patient and that it promotes healing as well.

Let me take the time to explain to you what I meant by the statement that Agnes is the epitome of what a DAISY Award recipient should be. Several months ago, in the early afternoon, it was brought to my attention by one of her peers regarding a conversation that they overheard between Agnes and one of the family members. I was truly touched by what I heard and what she did in response. During the conversation the family member verbalized to Agnes that she was hungry and had not eaten all day. Agnes, being a true advocate not just for the patient but for the family as well instantaneously, without being asked, went to the Pantry and gave the visitor orange juice and crackers and then ensured that she received food from the cafeteria. This is just one example of several selfless acts of compassion and caring that Agnes has displayed repeatedly simply because she wanted to help someone in need.

Agnes is well loved by her peers, the physicians, and all other disciplines. I can honestly say that I have never heard a negative remark made about Agnes. For example, when huddling with the staff and educating them on the DAISY Award, it was as if a light bulb went off in everyone’s head. Almost simultaneously, they all stated “Agnes”, and it was at that point that I knew that I was truly blessed to have Agnes as a valued team member.

Agnes undoubtedly has all of the attributes that are in alignment with the makings of a true leader and positive role model for not just the unit, but the hospital as well. She consistently demonstrates behaviors that are typical of a true patient advocate and humanitarian. If anyone deserves to win this award and title it is undoubtedly Agnes Ramirez.