Colleen Berner, RN

Colleen has worked in the NICU for decades, and I truly can't put into words the kind of nurse she is. She has saved more babies than I could ever count. Her attention to detail, mastery of IV insertions, critical thinking skills, and ability to catch subtle changes before anyone else are unmatched. She is, without question, one of the strongest nurses I have ever had the privilege of working with.

In addition to her years in the NICU, she frequently serves in a charge nurse role, and she also works in the Pediatric Emergency Department. No matter where she is needed, she leads with confidence, knowledge, and compassion. She is an invaluable resource not only to the nursing staff but to the physicians as well.

She is constantly teaching, mentoring, orienting new nurses, and sharing her knowledge with everyone around her. Whether it is a complex patient, a difficult IV start, or a challenging clinical situation, Colleen is someone everyone turns to for guidance.

Beyond her incredible clinical skills, Colleen is loving, kind, compassionate, and funny. She is truly the backbone of our unit. While her retirement is well-deserved, it saddens me to think about our NICU without her. Nurses who dedicate an entire career to one specialty are becoming increasingly rare, and her impact on our babies, families, and staff is immeasurable. She will be deeply missed.

Recently, I found myself on the other side of healthcare as a patient in the emergency department with a peritonsillar abscess. My attending physician was none other than Dr. Berner, Colleen's son. Throughout my care, he was calm, compassionate, thorough, and incredibly knowledgeable. He took the time to educate me, answer every question, and left no stone unturned in ensuring I received the best possible care.

As I reflected on my experience, I couldn't help but see so much of Colleen in her son. The same compassion, dedication, professionalism, and commitment to patients that have made Colleen such an extraordinary nurse were clearly reflected in the physician Dr. Berner has become. It was evident that the values she has carried throughout her career have extended far beyond the walls of the NICU and Pediatric Emergency Department.

After spending decades caring for the smallest and most vulnerable patients, Colleen's legacy is not only seen in countless babies, children, and families she has helped, but also in the next generation of healthcare providers. Seeing those same qualities reflected in her son while receiving care as a patient myself was incredibly meaningful and something I will never forget.

I can think of no better way to honor what Colleen has given to this organization, while also recognizing the impact her family continues to have, than by nominating Colleen for a DAISY Award. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment to exceptional patient care represent the very best of healthcare and the lasting impact one extraordinary nurse can have on generations of patients, families, colleagues, and even future caregivers.