Danielle embodies the essence of Palliative Care practice by doing all she can to modify some aspects of the clinical or situational difficulties our patients and families often confront. She conveys empathetic attention to every patient, family, and staff she encounters. Danielle has a strong work ethic, she is reliable, and is quite dedicated. As a Palliative Care nurse, she's dealt with very complex and emotionally charged clinical situations, yet she handles these with grace.

Danielle possesses a relentless willingness to go out of her way for others. For instance, one day she purchased a coloring book for her bored cancer patient during his lengthy hospitalization.

I've watched as Danielle helped make the final wish of her terminal patient become a reality, for this dying mother-of-the-bride hoped to live just long enough to attend her daughter's wedding, which Danielle helped arrange in the Healing Garden.

Another time, she entered her patient's room carrying a blue balloon to help celebrate the birth of her patient's first grandchild. Additionally, when one of her patients dies, Danielle calls the newly bereaved family the day following that patient's death, a gesture the family greatly appreciates.

Danielle is also sensitive to staffs' personal loss experiences, sending get-well or sympathy cards to a fellow employee. These many acts of kindness along with her gentle strength are reflections of the humanistic values Danielle carries within.

For years, Danielle has unfailingly brought bouquets of roses she's cut from her garden to the Oncology Unit; she's often called "The Rose Lady" by 7 West staff. Her flowers offer lovely distractions for anyone who takes the time to stop and smell her fragrant roses. Over the years, I've silently wondered if Danielle has ever realized the collective moments of utter mindfulness those sweet-smelling roses have given countless Oncology patients, their concerned families - as well as our staff.

Last year I broke my elbow and was out on an LOA for four months. During that time, Danielle earned the respect of colleagues from many disciplines who witnessed Danielle's stamina, her steadfastness, and ability to remain calm amid competing role demands. In closing, Danielle is an exceptional human being as she is a Palliative Care nurse. Those of us who work with Danielle are truly blessed in having such an exceptional colleague. For all these reasons, I believe Danielle is a true DAISY Nurse.