It is with great admiration and gratitude that I nominate Dina for the DAISY Award in recognition of her keen clinical judgment, compassionate care, and life-saving actions. During an admission assessment, Dina took the time to engage in a meaningful conversation with the patient, going beyond standard questioning to gather a comprehensive health history. Through this conversation, Dina learned critical details that had not yet been documented by the ED physician or admitting hospitalist, information that ultimately saved the patient's life.

The patient was set to begin a heparin drip at admission. However, due to Dina’s thorough assessment and active listening, she recognized that the patient had a history of a brain aneurysm that raised a red flag. Dina reviewed the patient’s chart and confirmed that no documentation on this diagnosis was present. Trusting her instincts, Dina immediately attempted to reach out to the hospitalist to advocate for further evaluation before proceeding with treatment, but was not able to connect with the doctor. Not stopping there, Dina escalated further and reached out to the cardiologist, who confirmed the concern and cancelled the treatment; something that could have had devastating consequences for this patient. Because of Dina’s vigilance, critical thinking, and dedication to patient safety, the treatment plan was adjusted in time, preventing what could have been a fatal outcome.

This moment exemplifies what nursing is truly about: being a patient advocate, using clinical expertise, and providing compassionate care that makes a real difference. Dina is an extraordinary nurse whose actions embody the highest standards of the profession. Her ability to combine knowledge, empathy, and advocacy is a testament to the exceptional care she provides every day. I wholeheartedly nominate Dina for the DAISY Award.