October 2025
Elisha
Colley
,
BSN RN
Emergency Department
Unity Hospital
Rochester
,
NY
United States
In my experience as a physician, I’ve encountered many outstanding nurses, but few embody the integrity, initiative, and heart that Colley demonstrated that day.
One morning in June of 2025, I had the privilege of working alongside Nurse Colley in the Emergency Department during the admission of a critically ill young woman suffering from severe hypokalemia secondary to anorexia nervosa. Though Colley was not the assigned nurse for this patient, her actions exemplified what it truly means to be an extraordinary nurse and advocate for patient care.
With the primary nurse occupied managing another acutely decompensating patient, Colley stepped in without hesitation. She immediately recognized the urgency of our patient’s condition and took initiative, not only helping to stabilize her but going far above and beyond what was expected. She placed a second IV line swiftly and skillfully, allowing us to safely expedite potassium repletion and minimizing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. But her technical skill was only one part of what stood out that day.
This patient, frightened, withdrawn, and initially refusing oral medications, was facing a battle not just of electrolytes, but of trust. Colley took the time to sit with her gently, patiently, and persistently engaging in conversation that was equal parts clinical and compassionate. She validated the patient's fears, educated her in a language she could grasp, and perhaps most importantly, conveyed genuine care and respect. Through this, she persuaded the patient to accept oral medications, marking a small but meaningful victory in the patient’s journey toward recovery.
Colley’s commitment to this young woman’s safety, dignity, and healing, despite not being her assigned nurse, is the kind of unsung heroism that often goes unseen in the chaos of an emergency department. She didn’t do it for recognition. She did it because it was the right thing to do. In my experience as a physician, I’ve encountered many outstanding nurses, but few embody the integrity, initiative, and heart that Colley demonstrated that day.
Her actions reflect the core of nursing excellence. She not only helped save a life, but she also gave a vulnerable young woman a sense of hope and humanity in one of her darkest moments. Recognizing Colley with the DAISY Award is more than fitting; it’s essential. Celebrating nurses like her doesn’t just honor her, it inspires the entire team to strive for the same level of excellence, compassion, and courage.
With the primary nurse occupied managing another acutely decompensating patient, Colley stepped in without hesitation. She immediately recognized the urgency of our patient’s condition and took initiative, not only helping to stabilize her but going far above and beyond what was expected. She placed a second IV line swiftly and skillfully, allowing us to safely expedite potassium repletion and minimizing the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. But her technical skill was only one part of what stood out that day.
This patient, frightened, withdrawn, and initially refusing oral medications, was facing a battle not just of electrolytes, but of trust. Colley took the time to sit with her gently, patiently, and persistently engaging in conversation that was equal parts clinical and compassionate. She validated the patient's fears, educated her in a language she could grasp, and perhaps most importantly, conveyed genuine care and respect. Through this, she persuaded the patient to accept oral medications, marking a small but meaningful victory in the patient’s journey toward recovery.
Colley’s commitment to this young woman’s safety, dignity, and healing, despite not being her assigned nurse, is the kind of unsung heroism that often goes unseen in the chaos of an emergency department. She didn’t do it for recognition. She did it because it was the right thing to do. In my experience as a physician, I’ve encountered many outstanding nurses, but few embody the integrity, initiative, and heart that Colley demonstrated that day.
Her actions reflect the core of nursing excellence. She not only helped save a life, but she also gave a vulnerable young woman a sense of hope and humanity in one of her darkest moments. Recognizing Colley with the DAISY Award is more than fitting; it’s essential. Celebrating nurses like her doesn’t just honor her, it inspires the entire team to strive for the same level of excellence, compassion, and courage.