I nominate Cornelia Yoder for the DAISY Award. I am a teacher and my husband is a fireman, so we value public servants who go the extra mile. My words could never do justice to tell what an asset the nursing world has in Cornelia, but I will try.

We had our baby via emergency c-section at 32 weeks. To say the least, it was unexpected and traumatizing. For the first day after our daughter's birth we were in a fog. We felt scared, out of place, and alone. That ended when we met our primary nurse Cornelia Yoder.

On the second day we were in the NICU, an enthusiastic, bright-eyed, and eager nurse came to help me hold my child for the FIRST time. I was so emotional that I was embarrassed. I didn't know what to do. I didn't even get to go to my birthing or breastfeeding classes. Cornelia seemed to understand my fear. She calmly told me that I didn't realize it yet, but that I knew exactly what I was doing. She gently and thoroughly taught me everything I needed to know about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding a 32 week old was a challenge. She made sure my baby and I were both comfortable and that we both had what we needed. She celebrated with us even when our daughter could only eat 5 cc's. She encouraged me and because of this our child grew and we bonded through breastfeeding. She helped me nourish my baby while nourishing my needs as a first time mom. She also made my husband aware of things to help him bond like kangaroo care.

Cornelia made me aware of facilities/programs to help us at Mission. She coordinated a sleep room and made me aware of meal tickets, places to breast pump, etc.

Cornelia was very knowledgeable. She always put our baby's needs first. She was careful not to rush her in increasing feedings, etc. She always knew what to do for our baby. Her skills at placing a feeding tube taking blood, etc. were never traumatizing to our child. She was always gentle and skillful.

She never spoke "down" to us. She always explained in detail our baby's progress in a way that we could understand. She was compassionate yet professional. She listened to us, even though our concerns might have been trivial. She never seemed flustered, aggravated or overwhelmed. She just exuded love to us. Cornelia advocated for us and for our baby.

When we had to go back and forth from our home in Waynesville to the NICU we felt guilty about having to leave our daughter. However, we were always assured that our little one would be in the best care possible. In fact, EACH day that Cornelia was off duty she called our bedside to check in with us/the nurses and make sure our family had everything we needed. She didn't have to do that, but she did. Those extra things she did made all the difference. When we were worn down and tired, Cornelia urged us to take a few hours away so we could prepare for baby at home and destress from NICU "world." Those moments helped us so much.

When we were to be put in transition, Cornelia once again celebrated with us. She helped us settle into our new room. Shortly after, I had a pulmonary blood clot scare. My family was at work. I was distraught about leaving our daughter alone and going to xray. I went to check in, and guess who met me there? Cornelia took her break time to come downstairs and console me. She didn't have to do that, but she did!

On the day we were scheduled to go home, Cornelia switched her schedule and came in with a migraine just so she could tell us goodbye. She spent some time holding and feeding our daughter. We all teared up as she walked us into the lobby downstairs and sent us off into the "real world." Cornelia got us to that point. Honestly without her I don't know where we'd be.

Cornelia's relationship with us has grown stronger even now. We talk often, and have even met up twice. Cornelia brags on me as a parent and we always share "remember when" stories. She remembers so many details of my NICU journey because she took the time to care and get to know me not just as a patient, but as a person. Our daughter's eyes light up with Mrs. Cornelia. She remembers her. They have such a special bond because of the excellent care given to my child.

Cornelia has put my husband and me in touch with a coordinator to help other NICU families. She understands our need to "give back." Again, she is still going the extra mile to help the families of her patients!

One of my fondest memories of Cornelia's care was a time when I walked in on her as she spoke to the baby. She had no clue I was there. She was soothing her as she put her back in her isolette. She told her to go ahead and tell her all complaints and worries. I later found out this was my daughter's morning ritual with Cornelia. It blessed my heart to hear Cornelia speaking to my baby just as I would have.

If anyone deserves the DAISY Award, Cornelia Yoder does. She is a supreme example of a selfless, compassionate, and knowledgeable nurse of integrity.