February 2026 Honoree
Brook Gay, BSN, RN
While my dad was in the ICU, Brook was one of his excellent nurses. Brook was always attentive, compassionate, empathetic, and incredibly knowledgeable. I always appreciated that Brook took time to get to know us, make us feel comfortable, and answer any questions we had whether it took 2 minutes or 40.
Even when working on other cases, Brook took the time to come check in with not only my father and his progress but also my mother and I. Just one example is the night my father needed to be re-intubated. Brook was not my father’s nurse for this shift, but he immediately noticed my distress and led me away from the chaos. He stayed, talked to me and explained what was happening, ultimately reassuring me that this was not a major setback in my father’s progress. I was so grateful for Brook in that moment, knowing that he truly cared for my entire family’s wellbeing during this difficult time.
Another example of Brook’s excellence is when he, along with other staff members, quickly responded to a medical emergency in another room on the floor. When he returned to my father’s room, Brook looked visibly exhausted and when I asked if he was ok, I learned that Brook had performed 45 minutes of chest compressions.
Upon returning he immediately got to work continuing my father’s care. He worked in a timely, professional, and caring manner even after exerting himself in a way that most people would not easily recover from. Brook is the example of the kind of nurse every family member wants for their loved ones. He puts his patients before himself and cares for them with great intent. I always felt at ease when Brook was my dad’s nurse, knowing that he was receiving the best care possible. Brook is more than deserving of the DAISY Award.
Even when working on other cases, Brook took the time to come check in with not only my father and his progress but also my mother and I. Just one example is the night my father needed to be re-intubated. Brook was not my father’s nurse for this shift, but he immediately noticed my distress and led me away from the chaos. He stayed, talked to me and explained what was happening, ultimately reassuring me that this was not a major setback in my father’s progress. I was so grateful for Brook in that moment, knowing that he truly cared for my entire family’s wellbeing during this difficult time.
Another example of Brook’s excellence is when he, along with other staff members, quickly responded to a medical emergency in another room on the floor. When he returned to my father’s room, Brook looked visibly exhausted and when I asked if he was ok, I learned that Brook had performed 45 minutes of chest compressions.
Upon returning he immediately got to work continuing my father’s care. He worked in a timely, professional, and caring manner even after exerting himself in a way that most people would not easily recover from. Brook is the example of the kind of nurse every family member wants for their loved ones. He puts his patients before himself and cares for them with great intent. I always felt at ease when Brook was my dad’s nurse, knowing that he was receiving the best care possible. Brook is more than deserving of the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Brook, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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