May 2026 Honoree
Dana Mariano, MSN, RN, CNOR, CAPA, CRCST
Dana has been nominated for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Leaders by two perioperative employees, a testament to her exceptional engagement and dedication to her team. These nominations consistently highlight Dana as a supportive, proactive leader who deeply invests in her staff, resolving concerns and actively participating in day-to-day operations.
Her team members share specific examples of her impactful leadership:
'Dana is someone you can go to and will always be there for you,' one nominator shared, emphasizing her unwavering support.
She consistently makes an effort to meet new team members in person, demonstrating her commitment to fostering early connections and understanding individual strengths.
'Dana is exceptionally accessible, making herself available via text, in-person, phone calls, and emails' ensuring her team always has a direct line to leadership support.
Her leadership is consistently described as fair and highly approachable.
Dana consistently demonstrates her commitment to all shifts by regularly arriving early to connect with the night shift before they depart, proactively offering support and addressing their needs. Her dedication extends to direct patient care; she has been observed working alongside staff in the OR during off-shifts and stepping in to assist in PACU when the charge nurse is caring for patients, taking calls, and helping with patient placement. These actions highlight her willingness to lead by example and support her team wherever needed.
As one staff member passionately states, 'I am always telling everyone how great Dana is and how approachable she is as a leader. It is so nice to have someone like Dana as a Periop Director. I hope she is here forever!' This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the profound positive impact Dana has on her team, fostering an environment of trust, support, and exceptional patient care.
Her team members share specific examples of her impactful leadership:
'Dana is someone you can go to and will always be there for you,' one nominator shared, emphasizing her unwavering support.
She consistently makes an effort to meet new team members in person, demonstrating her commitment to fostering early connections and understanding individual strengths.
'Dana is exceptionally accessible, making herself available via text, in-person, phone calls, and emails' ensuring her team always has a direct line to leadership support.
Her leadership is consistently described as fair and highly approachable.
Dana consistently demonstrates her commitment to all shifts by regularly arriving early to connect with the night shift before they depart, proactively offering support and addressing their needs. Her dedication extends to direct patient care; she has been observed working alongside staff in the OR during off-shifts and stepping in to assist in PACU when the charge nurse is caring for patients, taking calls, and helping with patient placement. These actions highlight her willingness to lead by example and support her team wherever needed.
As one staff member passionately states, 'I am always telling everyone how great Dana is and how approachable she is as a leader. It is so nice to have someone like Dana as a Periop Director. I hope she is here forever!' This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the profound positive impact Dana has on her team, fostering an environment of trust, support, and exceptional patient care.
Thank you, Dana, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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