Demonstrating Kindness and Compassion to Patients and Families: Christie is hands down the role model for every employee.  She is a fine nurse as well as a great person.  Christie has a heart of gold.  She consistently gets recognized during leader rounds.  Either Christie is paying staff a lot of money, or she is by far one of the most engaged employees I've ever known.  Christie treats every patient, family member, and visitor as if they are family.  She has a way of making you feel right at home. Christie listens to everyone.  She doesn't just jump in and say her spill.  She takes time to listen to everyone.  That means a lot!

Providing Skills Care to Patients and Families: Christie constantly rounds on every staff member.  She takes initiative and jumps right in to help everyone.  Christie will have a newborn screen and CCHD done before the nurse has time to even think about it.  Christie makes sure her co-workers are looked after.  She makes sure they have breaks, and they don't have to ask for help normally because Christie anticipates needs before they happen.

Informing and Educating Patients and Families: Christie loves to educate.  She does it in a way that makes the staff comfortable going to her. Every time they have questions, Christie walks them through the process and helps them critically think about what they are asking. She doesn't just give them the answer.  If Christie doesn't know the answer, she will find out.  Then she will not only educate that person, but she will educate everyone else that's working that night.

Offering a Voice of Hope and Love to Patients and Families: Christie asked me recently if she could post positive sayings on the unit like a former nurse did years ago.  Christie's positive attitude is a warm blessing.  Christie has a heart of gold.  I wish I had a daisy for every time Christie gets recognized during leader rounds.  I would have the biggest bouquet ever. At this point, I feel the thank you cards are not enough. She goes above and beyond every time she is at work. I don't worry one bit when she is working.

Touching the Lives of Others: One nurse told me during leader rounds that she feels safe when Christie is working, and that she knows she's going to have a good night no matter how busy it gets.  She has peace of mind working with Christie.  That touched my heart. What a feeling that must be to come into work knowing that you have a "best friend" at work to get you through a busy night. If there's ever been a nurse that's deserving of the DAISY Award, it's Christie.  She is a true blessing on our unit.