July 2026 Honoree
Antoinette Higa, RN
| I am honored to nominate Toni for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to both her team and the patients we serve. As a manager, Toni consistently goes above and beyond in creating a supportive, responsive, and effective environment for both staff and patients alike. Toni's commitment to the success of Shared Governance stands out as one of her most significant contributions. Her proactive efforts in securing the necessary resources, time, and equipment have allowed Shared Governance to thrive. She is deeply invested in ensuring that the program succeeds, and her attention to detail and follow-through are instrumental in its ongoing success. Toni is a remarkable leader who truly exemplifies what it means to be both compassionate and supportive, not just as a manager, but as a genuine advocate for her team. She deeply understands the pressures and challenges we face, both personally and professionally, and goes above and beyond to ensure that we have the support we need to thrive in both areas. Whether it's a family emergency or a difficult personal situation, Toni handles every challenge with exceptional care, empathy, and professionalism. She is someone you can trust to approach with anything, knowing she will offer a listening ear and practical solutions. Her ability to provide comfort and guidance during these times is nothing short of extraordinary, and she makes it clear that she genuinely cares about the well-being of her team. Toni is not only a manager you can turn to when things get tough, but she actively works to ease those burdens, providing flexibility and understanding whenever possible. Her leadership extends beyond the daily operations of the department. She consistently provides constructive feedback to the Emergency Department as a whole, always intending to improve patient care and outcomes. Whether it's identifying areas for improvement or offering solutions, Toni's ability to communicate effectively makes a lasting impact on our ability to deliver the highest quality care. When the ED is short-staffed or overwhelmed, Toni steps up without hesitation. She has been known to roll up her sleeves and work alongside her team, especially when things get especially chaotic or challenging. Her willingness to work on the floor during situations sets the tone for the rest of the team and fosters a sense of unity and resilience. Moreover, Toni is quick to take action when staffing concerns arise. She's been instrumental in securing extra staff during times of overload, including during natural disasters or any other emergency situations, ensuring that both patients and staff are supported. This was highlighted when she took her own section in the back hallway to help alleviate the burden on the ED staff at a time of severe census. She exemplified leadership during a recent tsunami threat by not only excelling in her role in the incident command team but also verifying that staff and their families were evacuated, prepared, and safe. She also stayed beyond her duties to ensure the department was running smoothly. One of the things that truly demonstrates Toni's leadership is her willingness to take creative action to improve the work environment. For example, Toni personally made curtains for patient areas to enhance privacy and comfort, showing her deep commitment to both the team and the patients in our care. In every aspect of her role, Toni exemplifies the qualities of a true nurse leader-compassionate, proactive, and deeply dedicated to improving both patient care and the well-being of her team. It is a privilege to work alongside someone who inspires such trust and respect. Toni is an incredible nurse leader who consistently embodies the values of this award, and I wholeheartedly believe she deserves to be recognized with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. We are lucky to have her. |
Thank you, Antoinette, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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