July 2026 Honoree
Emalee Roark, RN
I am honored to recognize Emalee for the extraordinary compassion, patient-centered care, and advocacy she demonstrated while caring for an autistic patient in the ED.
Upon meeting the patient, Emalee recognized that establishing trust and creating a sense of safety would be essential to providing effective care. Rather than immediately expecting the patient to conform to the traditional healthcare environment, she adapted her approach to meet the patient’s unique needs.
Drawing upon strategies recently taught during a unit education session, Emalee allowed the patient to make choices whenever possible. Instead of insisting that the patient sit in the hospital bed, she allowed the patient to choose a chair where she felt more comfortable.
Before beginning her assessment, Emalee listened to the patient’s requests and provided water, helping to establish trust and demonstrating that the patient's needs and preferences mattered.
Throughout the encounter, Emalee used clear, simple language and communicated in a way that was easy for the patient to understand. She took the time to explain procedures before performing them, and allowed the patient to touch and explore medical equipment before it was used.
She even demonstrated devices on the patient’s parent first, helping reduce fear and uncertainty. The impact of these actions was remarkable. The patient became increasingly comfortable and engaged in her care. It was evident that she felt heard, respected, and connected to her nurses.
Equally notable was the visible reduction in the mother’s stress and anxiety as she watched her child receive care from someone who truly understood the importance of individualized, compassionate nursing.
Emalee’s actions exemplify the essence of the DAISY award. She combined clinical knowledge with empathy, patience, and advocacy to create an environment where both patient and family felt safe and supported.
She demonstrated that exceptional nursing care is not only about treating a condition, but about caring for the whole person.
Her commitment to meeting patients where they are and ensuring they feel valued and understood makes her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.
I am proud to nominate Emalee for a DAISY award and grateful for the difference she makes in the lives of her patients and families.
Upon meeting the patient, Emalee recognized that establishing trust and creating a sense of safety would be essential to providing effective care. Rather than immediately expecting the patient to conform to the traditional healthcare environment, she adapted her approach to meet the patient’s unique needs.
Drawing upon strategies recently taught during a unit education session, Emalee allowed the patient to make choices whenever possible. Instead of insisting that the patient sit in the hospital bed, she allowed the patient to choose a chair where she felt more comfortable.
Before beginning her assessment, Emalee listened to the patient’s requests and provided water, helping to establish trust and demonstrating that the patient's needs and preferences mattered.
Throughout the encounter, Emalee used clear, simple language and communicated in a way that was easy for the patient to understand. She took the time to explain procedures before performing them, and allowed the patient to touch and explore medical equipment before it was used.
She even demonstrated devices on the patient’s parent first, helping reduce fear and uncertainty. The impact of these actions was remarkable. The patient became increasingly comfortable and engaged in her care. It was evident that she felt heard, respected, and connected to her nurses.
Equally notable was the visible reduction in the mother’s stress and anxiety as she watched her child receive care from someone who truly understood the importance of individualized, compassionate nursing.
Emalee’s actions exemplify the essence of the DAISY award. She combined clinical knowledge with empathy, patience, and advocacy to create an environment where both patient and family felt safe and supported.
She demonstrated that exceptional nursing care is not only about treating a condition, but about caring for the whole person.
Her commitment to meeting patients where they are and ensuring they feel valued and understood makes her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.
I am proud to nominate Emalee for a DAISY award and grateful for the difference she makes in the lives of her patients and families.
Thank you, Emalee, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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