Alexandria L Santana, RN

You don't always encounter healthy family dynamics in pediatrics, and nurses are often called upon to navigate emotionally charged and uncomfortable situations. Alex demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage, and compassion during one such experience involving a pediatric patient undergoing surgery.

Although tension between the patient's parents was noticeable during the preoperative period, it remained manageable until after the child was taken to the operating room. At that point, Alex witnessed the father shove the mother before storming out of the building.

Alex immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation and acted without hesitation. She escorted the mother to a separate room to ensure her safety in case the father returned and to provide her with a quiet space to regain her composure. The mother was visibly shaking and crying. Alex then promptly escalated the situation to her leadership team so appropriate steps could be taken.

While leaders coordinated the next steps, Alex never lost sight of the person in front of her. Although her pediatric patient was already in surgery, she recognized that the mother had become a patient in need as well. She remained by her side, ensuring she had everything she needed in that moment and providing reassurance, compassion, and emotional support during an incredibly traumatic experience.

Alex demonstrated every one of Baylor Scott & White Health's values through her actions. She Served Faithfully by reporting the assault—not only to her leaders but also to the local police department after witnessing the incident firsthand. She Never Settled by advocating that the father not be permitted to return to campus that day, prioritizing the safety of both the mother and the healthcare team. She exemplified Being In It Together by continuing to support and advocate for the mother even after her assigned patient had gone to the operating room. Most importantly, she Made an Impact by validating the mother's experience and refusing to ignore or minimize what had occurred.

When I later spoke with the mother and asked whether she wished to press charges, she shared something that has stayed with me. She explained that she had always tried to dismiss incidents like this in an effort to de-escalate the situation, but "he's never done that when there were witnesses."

Because of Alex's actions, this mother felt seen, heard, believed, and supported. She found the courage to report the assault and take steps to protect not only herself, but potentially her children as well.

Alex's clinical responsibilities extended far beyond the medical care of her patient that day. She demonstrated extraordinary advocacy, courage, compassion, and ethical leadership during a moment when someone was at their most vulnerable. Her willingness to act, speak up, and protect another person embodies the very best of nursing and makes her truly deserving of this DAISY Award recognition.