Chikkaraddi Somaraddi
May 2026
Chikkaraddi
Somaraddi
,
MPA, BSN, RN-BC
9 North
Long Island Jewish Medical Center
New Hyde Park
,
NY
United States
He is the leader you call when things feel uncertain, when problems seem too complex, or when you simply need someone who will show up and figure it out alongside you, and he always does.
I’d be honored to recognize Chikkaraddi Somaraddi, known to so many of us simply as Raddi, with the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. To call him an “awesome leader” feels like an understatement; he is the kind of leader who shapes the culture of an entire team through his presence, his actions, and his unwavering heart for nursing.
Raddi leads by example in every sense. He is a walking embodiment of Northwell policy (and it always feels like he knows every one of them), but more importantly, he applies that knowledge with compassion, integrity, and purpose. He is the leader you call when things feel uncertain, when problems seem too complex, or when you simply need someone who will show up and figure it out alongside you, and he always does.
But beyond his knowledge and leadership, Raddi is, quite literally, a lifesaver. Three years ago, as we prepped day in and out for the Joint Commission, I experienced a sudden medical emergency in my office that led to a code stroke and an unfortunate MICU stay. Just minutes before it happened, Raddi had been persistently encouraging me to walk with him to the blood bank, even as I insisted it was way beyond our time to go home. It was because of his persistence and not taking no for an answer that I wasn’t behind the wheel of my car when that emergency occurred. That is not just leadership, but that is being in a position where I believe he was able to be led by divine intervention.
Raddi is a fierce advocate for both his staff and his patients. He always knows whom to call, how to escalate, and how to get things done. He notices the subtle shift, the moments when something feels off, and he doesn’t ignore them. He shows up, knocks on your door, and makes sure you’re okay. He never misses a rapid or a code, and he is consistently present during every BERT, contributing in whatever way is needed without hesitation.
What truly sets Raddi apart is his calm, steady presence. In the middle of chaos, he is calm in the storm. He handles every situation, whether routine or critical, with the same level of grace, composure, and quiet strength. Years later, I still can’t quite tell the difference between his “happy” and “mad” voice, because everything he does is delivered with the same grounded, reassuring energy.
Raddi is more than a nurse manager. He is a true leader, a mentor, a brother, and a friend. He has impacted my life in a way that words will never fully capture, and I know I am not alone in that sentiment. I hold such deep gratitude, admiration, and respect for Raddi.
Raddi leads by example in every sense. He is a walking embodiment of Northwell policy (and it always feels like he knows every one of them), but more importantly, he applies that knowledge with compassion, integrity, and purpose. He is the leader you call when things feel uncertain, when problems seem too complex, or when you simply need someone who will show up and figure it out alongside you, and he always does.
But beyond his knowledge and leadership, Raddi is, quite literally, a lifesaver. Three years ago, as we prepped day in and out for the Joint Commission, I experienced a sudden medical emergency in my office that led to a code stroke and an unfortunate MICU stay. Just minutes before it happened, Raddi had been persistently encouraging me to walk with him to the blood bank, even as I insisted it was way beyond our time to go home. It was because of his persistence and not taking no for an answer that I wasn’t behind the wheel of my car when that emergency occurred. That is not just leadership, but that is being in a position where I believe he was able to be led by divine intervention.
Raddi is a fierce advocate for both his staff and his patients. He always knows whom to call, how to escalate, and how to get things done. He notices the subtle shift, the moments when something feels off, and he doesn’t ignore them. He shows up, knocks on your door, and makes sure you’re okay. He never misses a rapid or a code, and he is consistently present during every BERT, contributing in whatever way is needed without hesitation.
What truly sets Raddi apart is his calm, steady presence. In the middle of chaos, he is calm in the storm. He handles every situation, whether routine or critical, with the same level of grace, composure, and quiet strength. Years later, I still can’t quite tell the difference between his “happy” and “mad” voice, because everything he does is delivered with the same grounded, reassuring energy.
Raddi is more than a nurse manager. He is a true leader, a mentor, a brother, and a friend. He has impacted my life in a way that words will never fully capture, and I know I am not alone in that sentiment. I hold such deep gratitude, admiration, and respect for Raddi.