September 2026 Honoree
Caroline O'Connor-David, RN
There are people who provide excellent care, and then there are nurses like Caroline O’Connor David, whose compassion changes someone’s life forever.
After my C-section, I was in excruciating pain. I could barely move, couldn’t care for my newborn the way I wanted to, and felt physically and emotionally overwhelmed. Caroline recognized that my pain was not being adequately controlled and refused to accept that this was simply something I had to endure. She persistently advocated for me until my medication regimen was changed, allowing me to finally participate in my own recovery and care for my baby.
What made Caroline extraordinary was that she never treated me like just another patient. She saw me as a whole person. She somehow always knew exactly what I needed—whether it was help with my newborn so I could rest, a story to distract me from the pain, a laugh when I felt defeated, or simply a hug and the space to cry. She anticipated my needs before I even had to ask. Her clinical skill was exceptional, but it was her empathy, intuition, and unwavering presence that truly carried me through one of the hardest experiences of my life.
The moment I will cherish forever happened before I left the hospital. Through tears, I told Caroline, “I will remember you for the rest of my life.” Without hesitation, she looked at me and said, “I’ll remember you forever, too.” When I thanked her for everything she had done, she smiled and said, “This is what I do it for. This is my purpose.” Those words perfectly captured the kind of nurse she is. I know I will eventually forget many details of my hospital stay, but I will never forget Caroline. She didn’t just ease my pain—she restored my strength, my hope, and my confidence during one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. She reminded me what extraordinary nursing truly looks like. Caroline is the embodiment of the DAISY Award.
After my C-section, I was in excruciating pain. I could barely move, couldn’t care for my newborn the way I wanted to, and felt physically and emotionally overwhelmed. Caroline recognized that my pain was not being adequately controlled and refused to accept that this was simply something I had to endure. She persistently advocated for me until my medication regimen was changed, allowing me to finally participate in my own recovery and care for my baby.
What made Caroline extraordinary was that she never treated me like just another patient. She saw me as a whole person. She somehow always knew exactly what I needed—whether it was help with my newborn so I could rest, a story to distract me from the pain, a laugh when I felt defeated, or simply a hug and the space to cry. She anticipated my needs before I even had to ask. Her clinical skill was exceptional, but it was her empathy, intuition, and unwavering presence that truly carried me through one of the hardest experiences of my life.
The moment I will cherish forever happened before I left the hospital. Through tears, I told Caroline, “I will remember you for the rest of my life.” Without hesitation, she looked at me and said, “I’ll remember you forever, too.” When I thanked her for everything she had done, she smiled and said, “This is what I do it for. This is my purpose.” Those words perfectly captured the kind of nurse she is. I know I will eventually forget many details of my hospital stay, but I will never forget Caroline. She didn’t just ease my pain—she restored my strength, my hope, and my confidence during one of the most vulnerable moments of my life. She reminded me what extraordinary nursing truly looks like. Caroline is the embodiment of the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Caroline, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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