It is with deep admiration and respect that I nominate Cindy Wasson for the DAISY Award. Cindy has been the cornerstone of our OB clinic for nearly 38 years, dedicating her life to caring for mothers, babies, and colleagues with unparalleled compassion and professionalism. Her love for nursing and the organization is evident not only in her own work but in the legacy she has created, both of her children have followed in her footsteps to become nurses, with one already working at Stanford and the other eager to join our pediatric side. 

One story that vividly stands out is a testament to Cindy's unwavering commitment and compassion for our patients. One day, I walked by her shared office and saw her urgently making calls to various clinics. When I asked if she needed any help, she explained that a patient’s blood sugar levels were dangerously high, posing a severe risk to both the patient and her unborn baby. The patient, however, couldn’t come to the clinic due to a lack of childcare, transportation, and accommodations if she were admitted. 

Cindy immediately sprang into action, working tirelessly to find a solution. She coordinated with social services, our CPSP coordinator, and the patient’s community provider, all while navigating through numerous calls and logistical challenges. Cindy spent countless hours ensuring every detail was in place, and her persistence paid off. The patient was eventually admitted to our antepartum department for the care she urgently needed, and Cindy even secured a place for her at the Ronald McDonald House following her stay. She went above and beyond by finding support for the patient’s child, demonstrating her deep compassion and dedication to holistic patient care. 

Cindy’s determination and empathy in this situation were extraordinary; she never stopped until she was sure the patient and her family were taken care of. This story is just one of many that highlights Cindy's unwavering commitment to our patients and her colleagues, showing that she truly lives and breathes the values of nursing excellence. 

Cindy’s compassion isn’t limited to her patients; it extends deeply to her colleagues as well. One of our newer nurses was going through a difficult time, struggling to balance the demands of work and home. Cindy noticed that the nurse seemed overwhelmed and reached out to check in. After speaking with her, Cindy discovered that the nurse was having trouble finding reliable childcare for her two young children and was also grieving the recent loss of her uncle. Without hesitation, Cindy stepped in to support her. She covered shifts when she could and arranged for other nurses to help so the nurse could have time to manage her personal responsibilities. 

Just when things began to improve, the nurse faced another devastating blow, the sudden passing of her mother. Cindy, with her characteristic empathy and kindness, rallied the team to come together and support the nurse through this incredibly challenging time. She organized meals to be delivered, and the team came together to create a heartfelt card and Cindy went to the nurse’s home to hand deliver the hugs and flowers. What stands out about Cindy is that she doesn’t stop there; she has hand-delivered meals to other nurses who were ill or recovering from surgery, offering her support even on her days off. Her commitment to caring for her fellow nurses and colleagues, no matter the circumstance, is a testament to her selflessness and compassion. 

Cindy doesn’t just treat her colleagues as coworkers; she treats them like family. Her willingness to go above and beyond for those around her is a powerful reminder of the impact one person’s kindness and support can have on an entire team. Cindy’s actions show that she not only leads with her skills but also with her heart, making a profound difference in the lives of those she works with every day. 

Cindy is the embodiment of what it means to be a professional nurse. She is our clinic's "Traffic Controller," "Wizard of Oz," "Dear Abby," and most importantly, our heart. Her expertise shines as she coordinates the transfer of OB patients, manages consults, and oversees pre-conception referrals with precision and care. She truly treats each patient as if they were a part of her own family. When vetting pregnant patients transferring from San Mateo Clinics, Cindy doesn’t just review their files; she thoroughly deep dives into patient records to ensure our providers have every detail they need to offer the highest level of care. Her thoughtful approach guarantees that no information is overlooked, demonstrating her commitment to patient safety and quality care. Her scheduling skills are unmatched, as she carefully assigns nursing duties based on each nurse’s strengths, ensuring the best outcomes for both our staff and the patients we serve. 

As the facilitator of our daily RN huddles, Cindy not only keeps the team informed, motivated, and organized, but she also creates an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. She manages the daily influx of referrals with care, skillfully delegating tasks such as prescriptions and durable medical equipment requests, and following up on incomplete referrals to ensure no patient’s needs are overlooked. Cindy’s compassionate leadership extends to our new hires, where she serves as a mentor, guiding them through the challenges of adapting to our fast-paced environment at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH). Her nurturing approach helps new nurses feel welcomed and confident, fostering their growth and ensuring they thrive as valuable members of our team. 

Cindy's office is a hub of support, a place where colleagues and providers alike seek guidance, share concerns, and find solutions. She is not only a colleague but also a friend, confidante, and spiritual advisor to many. Her strong moral compass ensures she always does what is right, earning her the respect and admiration of our entire team. Her gracious energy and loving heart are felt by everyone she interacts with, and her commitment to the team and patients is unwavering. 

Beyond her work with patients and staff, Cindy collaborates closely with IT to streamline workflows and improve patient care. She was instrumental in developing therapy plans for progesterone injections and betamethasone therapies, demonstrating her proactive approach to optimizing clinical practices. She is also the point person for medical assistant competencies, including point-of-care testing (POCT). Cindy consistently acknowledges her colleagues' contributions, whether it's through recognition at huddles or with a ROC card. She never misses an opportunity to celebrate her team, even remembering each person’s birthday with a thoughtful gesture. 

Cindy’s influence is felt in every corner of our clinic. She has organized celebrations for retiring staff, supported providers through difficult times, and even helped me when I faced severe staffing shortages and the loss of my assistant manager. She took charge of our morning huddles and made sure staff understood the situation, allowing me the grace and space I needed to manage the challenges. 

As our clinic volume has grown, Cindy has proactively assessed nurse workflows and made thoughtful adjustments with input from our nursing team. She leads by example, embodying the principles of Jean Watson’s Philosophy and Science of Caring in every aspect of her work. Cindy’s legacy is her practice; she says what she means and means what she says, and she lives this every day. 

Cindy is the superglue that holds our OB clinic together. She has touched the lives of millions of mothers and babies throughout her career and remains the lifeblood, heart, and soul of our clinic. Despite being nominated for numerous Nightingale awards, she remains our unsung hero. As she prepares for her well-deserved retirement, it is my hope that she is recognized for her countless contributions, her unwavering commitment, and her extraordinary compassion. Cindy Wasson is an inspiration, and she deserves this DAISY Award now more than ever.