The Daisy award is given to nurses who demonstrate extraordinary skills. Not only are they proficient in their clinical skills and the ability to work with modern technology but they also need to be compassionate and kind. They need the ability to honestly and effectively provide information for patients and families in some difficult situations. Cindy Caza is the personification of this behavior.

Recently a patient coded on the unit, Cindy saw that the patient had become pale, unresponsive and was unable to detect a pulse. She immediately hit the code button and within minutes the code team was there working with Cindy to save this woman’s life.

Cindy’s kindness and compassion are what is so special about her. Recently there was a patient on her floor who was going through alcohol withdrawal. He had a wife and daughter. His daughter was about 6 yrs old. It soon became apparent that this man and his family were homeless and hungry. Cindy made sure that his family was fed while they were present in the hospital with the patient. His daughter’s face light up when she saw Cindy walking down the hall with a tray of food. Cindy did not stop there, she organized a collection of donations for the family. She also worked with Care Management to make sure that they received all of the follow-up resources necessary to help them.

Cindy is very pleasant to work with. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help others.