I am nominating Alicia Golding for the DAISY Award because she embodied the true meaning of extraordinary nursing. Recently, Hospice House cared for a terminally ill, thought to be homeless gentleman who was resistive to cares. Due to his circumstances, he had not bathed or shaved in months. His hair was completely matted to the back of his head, creating a situation that was both physically uncomfortable and deeply undignified. While many might have seen this as a monumental, unpleasant task with potential for aggression from the patient, Alicia saw a human being deserving of comfort and dignity in his final days.

Alicia went above and beyond. She spent over an hour, with incredible patience and gentleness, shaving the patients matted hair, ensuring the patient felt no pain. Alicia then gave him a thorough bath with multiple linen changes, a beard trim & fingernail clipping that transformed his appearance. When Alicia was finished, this gentleman was not just clean—he was treated with the respect every person deserves. The look of relief and comfort on his face was priceless. Alicia didn’t just provide nursing care; she restored this man’s humanity and dignity when he needed it most.

Three hours later, he was able to peacefully complete his journey on this earth. Alicia’s actions show that compassionate care goes beyond clinical tasks. She took a patient who felt invisible and made him feel seen, cared for, and treated as a person.