One of Connie’s finest attributes is as a role model in her advocacy for patients in the pursuit of quality and excellence. She has many years of experience in the critical care and acute care environment. She leads by example and provides expert patient care while supporting her team during routine urgent and emergent events. She is objective, honest, and supportive of her peers, residents, and members of the multidisciplinary team. She openly engages them in conversations about the professional and personal challenges of caring for acute and critically ill patients. I especially admire her ability to communicate with patients and families, including having exceedingly difficult discussions regarding palliative care and end of life. It is common for me to walk the halls of the unit and peek in (without her knowing) and witness Connie sitting quietly talking holding a patient’s hand or having her arm around their shoulder. Patients feel safe they feel heard and they feel they matter when in her presence.

Connie has been an integral part of the unit bereavement program and most recently, she provided support and facilitated the end-of-life process and plan for a special patient. The patient was readmitted to the unit with terminal cancer and advanced heart failure. She and her husband confided in Connie about their fears, uncertainty, and sorrow as they had been together for more than 50 years. Connie remained steadfast in her support of the patient’s decision to move to palliative/hospice care. It was not easy as the patient’s husband was not ready for this decision. He could not imagine life without his wife. Connie spoke with her peers and they took turns listening to him, supporting him, and allowing him to reflect. Connie coordinated the plan that ensured the patient and her husband would always have a staff member by their side. When the patient’s husband was finally ready Connie made a request to allow the patient to remain on the unit and not transfer to the hospice floor. Leadership was notified and the decision was supported. Within a few days, the patient passed peacefully with her husband and staff at her bedside.

Connie is frequently recognized by patients and their families for her compassionate and genuine care. She is the epitome of an expert clinician who practices professional nursing because it is more than a job or career. It is her passion. I write many letters of recommendation. This one is easy and a pleasure. I do not believe you will find a more deserving nurse for the DAISY Award. Thank you, Connie!