Ann Geary, BSN, RN

I am writing to nominate Nurse Ann Geary for a DAISY Award for the profound compassion, clinical excellence, and leadership she brings to our unit. During the recent two-day January snowstorm that dropped more than 20 inches of snow around the hospital, Ann served as the Resource RN and became the steady, calming presence that both staff and families depended on. Her actions demonstrated not only deep compassion, but also exceptional nursing practice grounded in safety, preparedness, and clinical judgment.

From the moment the storm began, Ann checked in with every nurse on the schedule. Many of them had not experienced a storm of that magnitude and felt anxious about driving in whiteout conditions and not knowing when or how they would get home. Ann listened, reassured them, and helped each nurse create a safe, realistic plan for travel, rest, and lodging. Her ability to assess individual needs, anticipate risk, and provide clear, thoughtful guidance showed true clinical excellence and leadership. Some of the nurses had children at home. Some were worried about loved ones who depended on them. Some had no safe way to travel. In an act of generosity that reflects who she is at her core, Ann offered her own hotel room to staff so they would have a safe place to stay.

She consistently puts others' well-being first, with humility and sincerity. Ann also recognized the needs of our PCAs and UCs, who are essential to running a safe and functional unit. With several callouts, the team was stretched thin, yet Ann made sure that no one felt overwhelmed. She covered the front desk, assisted with patient care, and ensured breaks were taken and workloads were manageable. Her awareness of team dynamics and her ability to support each role demonstrated exceptional professionalism and deep respect for every member of the care team. Our unit is a Supportive Care Unit that cares for end-of-life patients whose symptoms cannot be managed elsewhere.

During the storm, we had four actively dying patients. Families were terrified. Some feared leaving the hospital and not making it back. Others were stuck at home, praying they would arrive in time. Ann understood the heartbreak behind each situation and responded with compassion and clinical wisdom. She arranged comfortable places for visitors to sleep so they could remain at the bedside. She thoughtfully coordinated nurse assignments to ensure continuity, trust, and comfort for both patients and families during the most vulnerable moments of their lives. For families who could not safely travel, she made sure they knew their loved one would not be alone and would receive gentle, attentive care. Her ability to balance emotional support with clinically sound decision-making brought comfort to families and stability to the team. This storm simply magnified what Ann brings to every shift. She stays late without hesitation. She checks on patients even when they are not assigned to her. She guides and mentors colleagues with patience and kindness. She practices nursing with integrity, attention to detail, and a deep sense of responsibility. Her presence makes our unit feel safer, calmer, and more supported.

I want to thank Ann for caring so deeply for everyone around her and for never overlooking the small but meaningful details. She brings calm to chaos, comfort to fear, and dignity to some of the hardest moments a family will ever experience. Her compassion, clinical excellence, and steady presence make her the nurse we all hope will care for us or for the people we love when it matters most. Ann Geary embodies every standard of the DAISY Award, and I enthusiastically recommend her for it.