May 2026 Honoree
Amanda M Davis, BSN, RN
Sometimes extraordinary nursing happens not in procedures or medications, but in moments of human connection when someone feels scared, overwhelmed, and alone.
The son of a patient recovering from open heart surgery arrived on 3NE frightened, distressed, and emotionally exhausted. His mother had recently transitioned from the ICU and was experiencing mild postoperative delirium. During conversations with him, she expressed fears that she was not receiving pain medication and that staff were mocking her.
As her primary caregiver, he desperately tried to reach someone for answers but encountered multiple transfers and delays during a busy shift change. Unable to obtain answers, his fear grew into panic and frustration. He rushed to the hospital with worry for his mother.
As he exited the elevator, he jumped out and unexpectedly encountered Amanda Davis, who had just completed a long shift and was on her way home. Although her workday had ended, Amanda stopped and listened. She did not rush him, dismiss him, or react to his heightened emotions. Instead, she recognized what was beneath the anger: a son who was terrified for his mother.
For nearly 15 minutes, Amanda gave him her complete attention. She reassured him, accompanied him back to the unit, introduced him to the oncoming nurse, and recognized tension between the two that required escalation. She appropriately contacted the nursing supervisor while continuing to support him personally. She brought him to his mother’s bedside, offered him refreshments, and remained present during one of his most vulnerable moments.
Later in the shift, when another difficult interaction developed, Oluwakemi Laoye, resource nurse, stepped in with the same compassion and leadership. Rather than seeing an angry visitor, she saw a son who was fearful and emotionally exhausted. She listened, acknowledged that his concerns were valid, de-escalated the situation with an indescribable level of calmness, and created an environment where he finally felt heard.
What makes this story extraordinary is not simply that concerns were addressed. It is that both Amanda and Oluwakemi recognized the humanity beneath the behavior. They looked beyond anger and saw someone who was hurting. They met fear with compassion and transformed a highly emotional situation into one built on trust and connection.
At the end of the encounter, Oluwakemi personally walked him out and expressed concern for his safety getting home. Once home, he called the unit simply to let her know he arrived safely; this reflects the meaningful connection and trust she had established.
During leadership follow-up, he specifically thanked Amanda and Oluwakemi and said they showed him compassion, support, and leadership when he needed it most.
Amanda and Oluwakemi demonstrated the very essence of nursing: seeing the person beyond the circumstances, extending compassion under pressure, and creating healing through human connection. Their actions embody everything the DAISY Award represents.
The son of a patient recovering from open heart surgery arrived on 3NE frightened, distressed, and emotionally exhausted. His mother had recently transitioned from the ICU and was experiencing mild postoperative delirium. During conversations with him, she expressed fears that she was not receiving pain medication and that staff were mocking her.
As her primary caregiver, he desperately tried to reach someone for answers but encountered multiple transfers and delays during a busy shift change. Unable to obtain answers, his fear grew into panic and frustration. He rushed to the hospital with worry for his mother.
As he exited the elevator, he jumped out and unexpectedly encountered Amanda Davis, who had just completed a long shift and was on her way home. Although her workday had ended, Amanda stopped and listened. She did not rush him, dismiss him, or react to his heightened emotions. Instead, she recognized what was beneath the anger: a son who was terrified for his mother.
For nearly 15 minutes, Amanda gave him her complete attention. She reassured him, accompanied him back to the unit, introduced him to the oncoming nurse, and recognized tension between the two that required escalation. She appropriately contacted the nursing supervisor while continuing to support him personally. She brought him to his mother’s bedside, offered him refreshments, and remained present during one of his most vulnerable moments.
Later in the shift, when another difficult interaction developed, Oluwakemi Laoye, resource nurse, stepped in with the same compassion and leadership. Rather than seeing an angry visitor, she saw a son who was fearful and emotionally exhausted. She listened, acknowledged that his concerns were valid, de-escalated the situation with an indescribable level of calmness, and created an environment where he finally felt heard.
What makes this story extraordinary is not simply that concerns were addressed. It is that both Amanda and Oluwakemi recognized the humanity beneath the behavior. They looked beyond anger and saw someone who was hurting. They met fear with compassion and transformed a highly emotional situation into one built on trust and connection.
At the end of the encounter, Oluwakemi personally walked him out and expressed concern for his safety getting home. Once home, he called the unit simply to let her know he arrived safely; this reflects the meaningful connection and trust she had established.
During leadership follow-up, he specifically thanked Amanda and Oluwakemi and said they showed him compassion, support, and leadership when he needed it most.
Amanda and Oluwakemi demonstrated the very essence of nursing: seeing the person beyond the circumstances, extending compassion under pressure, and creating healing through human connection. Their actions embody everything the DAISY Award represents.
Thank you, Amanda M, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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