May 2026 Honoree
Dawn Grall, BSN, RN
In every hospital, there are leaders who keep the unit running, and then there are rare people like Dawn, who transform the entire environment simply by showing up.
As an ICU manager, she brings a blend of grounded wisdom and genuine humanity that can’t be taught. She’s the kind of down-to-earth presence who never hesitates to roll up her sleeves, step into the fire, and work alongside her team.
The willingness to pitch in whether it’s a crisis or an abundance task, and work alongside her team. The willingness to pitch in, whether it’s a crisis or a mundane task, sets the tone for everyone around her.
What makes Dawn unforgettable isn’t just her work ethic, though she’s undeniably a hard worker; it’s the way she treats people. She leads with compassion and respect, in a quiet humility that makes even the toughest days feel manageable. Her staff isn't just employees: she loves them like family, celebrating their wins and supporting them through their struggles.
Despite the intensity of the ICU, Dawn brings a laid-back, steady energy that keeps the unit grounded. She’s funny in that effortful, disarming way that reminds everyone to breathe.
And when it comes to clinical skills, she is legendary, being a fierce leader not only in the ICU but also in respiratory, dialysis, sleep, neurodiagnostics, and overseeing the PICC team. But perhaps her greatest gift is the way she shows up as a friend. She listens deeply, cares sincerely, and stands by people with unwavering loyalty.
In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Dawn is a reminder of what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in heart. She doesn’t seek praise, yet she deserves every bit of it. She is the kind of manager who makes a unit stronger, a team closer, and the work more meaningful simply by being who she is.
***
I worked for Dawn from December 2022 until August 2025. She consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, compassion, and a dedication to both patients and staff. Her work ethic, accessibility, and unwavering support make her a truly extraordinary nurse leader.
From the start, Dawn has set the tone for a positive, collaborative, patient-centered environment. She leads by example - showing up early, staying late when needed, and ensuring that the team has what they need to provide the best possible care.
She was the first to step in when staffing is stretched, never hesitating to roll up her sleeves to help at the bedside. Her presence is steady, calm, and reassuring, even during the most challenging situations.
I specifically remember one evening when we had to start a critically ill patient on CRRT, which greatly affected our staffing for the night. No questions asked, Dawn not only came in to help with the night shift, but she also took the CRRT.
One of my favorite things about Dawn is that she would never ask me to do something as a nurse that she is not already willing to do herself.
What truly sets Dawn apart is her accessibility. She is always available, whether it’s answering a quick question, offering guidance during a crisis, or simply listening when a staff member needs support.
She creates an open-door culture, where every nurse feels valued, heard, and respected. Her ability to blend professionalism with genuine warmth makes her a trusted leader for both new and experienced team members. She treats each individual staff member like her own family and encourages all of us to do the same with each other.
Her leadership style not only strengthens the team, but also elevates patient care. She encourages innovation, promotes evidence-based practice, and advocates fiercely for both her staff and the patients they serve. She celebrates our successes and stands beside us through obstacles. Because of her, our unit feels like a community where we can grow, learn, and deliver exceptional care together.
Dawn exemplifies every value the DAISY Nurse Leader Award represents. She is hard-working, approachable, compassionate, and deeply committed to the well-being of her team and the patients interested in our care.
As an ICU manager, she brings a blend of grounded wisdom and genuine humanity that can’t be taught. She’s the kind of down-to-earth presence who never hesitates to roll up her sleeves, step into the fire, and work alongside her team.
The willingness to pitch in whether it’s a crisis or an abundance task, and work alongside her team. The willingness to pitch in, whether it’s a crisis or a mundane task, sets the tone for everyone around her.
What makes Dawn unforgettable isn’t just her work ethic, though she’s undeniably a hard worker; it’s the way she treats people. She leads with compassion and respect, in a quiet humility that makes even the toughest days feel manageable. Her staff isn't just employees: she loves them like family, celebrating their wins and supporting them through their struggles.
Despite the intensity of the ICU, Dawn brings a laid-back, steady energy that keeps the unit grounded. She’s funny in that effortful, disarming way that reminds everyone to breathe.
And when it comes to clinical skills, she is legendary, being a fierce leader not only in the ICU but also in respiratory, dialysis, sleep, neurodiagnostics, and overseeing the PICC team. But perhaps her greatest gift is the way she shows up as a friend. She listens deeply, cares sincerely, and stands by people with unwavering loyalty.
In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Dawn is a reminder of what leadership looks like when it’s rooted in heart. She doesn’t seek praise, yet she deserves every bit of it. She is the kind of manager who makes a unit stronger, a team closer, and the work more meaningful simply by being who she is.
***
I worked for Dawn from December 2022 until August 2025. She consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, compassion, and a dedication to both patients and staff. Her work ethic, accessibility, and unwavering support make her a truly extraordinary nurse leader.
From the start, Dawn has set the tone for a positive, collaborative, patient-centered environment. She leads by example - showing up early, staying late when needed, and ensuring that the team has what they need to provide the best possible care.
She was the first to step in when staffing is stretched, never hesitating to roll up her sleeves to help at the bedside. Her presence is steady, calm, and reassuring, even during the most challenging situations.
I specifically remember one evening when we had to start a critically ill patient on CRRT, which greatly affected our staffing for the night. No questions asked, Dawn not only came in to help with the night shift, but she also took the CRRT.
One of my favorite things about Dawn is that she would never ask me to do something as a nurse that she is not already willing to do herself.
What truly sets Dawn apart is her accessibility. She is always available, whether it’s answering a quick question, offering guidance during a crisis, or simply listening when a staff member needs support.
She creates an open-door culture, where every nurse feels valued, heard, and respected. Her ability to blend professionalism with genuine warmth makes her a trusted leader for both new and experienced team members. She treats each individual staff member like her own family and encourages all of us to do the same with each other.
Her leadership style not only strengthens the team, but also elevates patient care. She encourages innovation, promotes evidence-based practice, and advocates fiercely for both her staff and the patients they serve. She celebrates our successes and stands beside us through obstacles. Because of her, our unit feels like a community where we can grow, learn, and deliver exceptional care together.
Dawn exemplifies every value the DAISY Nurse Leader Award represents. She is hard-working, approachable, compassionate, and deeply committed to the well-being of her team and the patients interested in our care.
Thank you, Dawn, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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