... I come to the NICU from the downtown resource NICU pool for the night shift. Carla (a day shifter) has always made me feel welcome and frequently took time to orient me to supplies/surroundings/staff when I was new to the unit. Carla is often the charge nurse on day shift, and even when the unit has been extremely busy all day, she still stays over to help the night shift prepare for new admissions, resolves staffing issues and is always quick to help with patient care. Carla does all of these things in anticipation of needs and without being asked. I have always liked working with Carla and know she is an excellent associate and nurse, but after the way she stayed to help me last night I know she is most deserving of the DAISY Award. The unit at shift change had to answer a code cord pulled in L/D and attend a C/S at the same time, requiring both patients to be admitted in the 1900 hour. Also, during this time our charge nurse for night shift got called with the Neonatologist and the RT to another C/S. Both of these patients were extremely busy with line placement, PIV placement, labs and low dexes. Carla brought my new admission back to the unit and had started the assessment and hands on care required immediately while I was completing hands on care with another patient. Carla was so pleasant about helping me, not requiring me to ask her, and updating the MD on our situation when needed. Carla was charge and had a hectic day, stayed to help me and others on the unit until after 9pm. I did not know she had to return the next day, or for 3 in a row total! (I wouldn't know that because Carla would never complain or bring it up!) I am not only thankful that Carla provided help to me, but she always keeps the patient needs first. This patient needed intervention and Carla continues to work as though this baby was her patient and as if it was her shift. North NICU is lucky to have a dedicated, team player Carla Walsh!!!