In the intense and at times chaotic ICU environment, there are always a few "go-to" nurses I look for. Allison is one of these "super" nurses whom I have grown to trust and rely on. I have known her for over seven years (she's been with Advocate for twelve years) and in that time, she has consistently demonstrated excellence as a person, provider, and partner. Allison always wears a smile. Her smile is a part of her work uniform as are her easy laughs. In addition, she projects a sense of being in control of any clinical situation - in fact, she often knows what is going on with every patient in the ICU, not just her own. She is polite, courteous, and holds herself and others to the highest level of professionalism.
As a SICU bedside provider, I have seen Allison manage multiple pumps and machines simultaneously, help others sort out complex patient scenarios, and be the quiet helper whose actions allow others to shine. She has great leadership and mentorship potential. If I have a particularly complicated patient care scenario, I have asked for Allison to be my patient's nurse - not only is she highly skilled, but what also separates her from others is her ability to process the clinical scenario and to anticipate issues, rather than react. She does not just carry out orders - she thinks about whether the orders make sense and will make appropriate adjustments and/or suggestions. That is why she is such a trusted patient care partner. Allison is, without a doubt, one of the most talented and well-rounded health care providers I have ever worked with, and a most deserving DAISY Award recipient. Thank you.