I write this nomination with tears in my eyes. T was admitted for spinal fusion surgery, 3 days post-op, went into respiratory failure, and ended up in ICU with a ventilator and tube feeding. Christina was T's daytime nurse. It was difficult for T to communicate, but Christina knew what T wanted and needed. Christina, being an excellent Nurse, took it way further than that. She cheered T on when they tried to wean her off the ventilator. She gave T words of encouragement and showed true compassion during procedures. She stroked T's head, held her hand, and made her as comfortable as possible. When it came to the point where medicine could no longer help T, Christina felt sad, along with the rest of us. She was at her side when the tubes were removed and maintained her compassion and professionalism through the whole horrible ordeal. No amount of accolades could ever express the gratitude I have for Christina, whose small acts of kindness and compassion made a world of difference for T and me.

Note: this is Christina's 2nd DAISY Award!