At the University of Michigan Health System, nominations for the DAISY Award come from patients and their families. The one for Elisha Talley BSN, RN came from a thankful mother of a patient. She wrote,

"We had been in hospital for a few days when we met Elisha and we hit it right off. She was very personable and very nice. My son enjoyed her. She spoke to him about things - not just us. She pushed him to do things we knew he needed to do but wasn't crazy about doing - but she did it in a positive way, making him understand why and tweaking the plan to incorporate his "modifications". We really loved having Elisha as our nurse! Thank you Elisha for being a positive experience for both all of us."

As nurses, we know the practice of focusing on communicating directly with the pediatric patient is a skill that demonstrates to the young patient that they are important - that their being able to understand and have input into their plan for care is critical to successful outcomes. Elisha uses this skill very effectively and the family is most appreciative.

Congratulations Elisha.