Emily was the nurse my dad had in the ICU as he waited for surgery, and for the 2 days post-surgery. She greeted us with knowledge, kindness, and compassion. As they took my dad to surgery my mom began to cry. Emily looked at her and said, "He is in great hands and we will take very good care of him." She hugged my mom and my heart was touched.

When dad came out of surgery, Emily was there and immediately began to care for my dad. Her knowledge, expertise, and caring nature put us all at ease. I was able to take my mom home for the night knowing he was in very good hands because she told us the night nurse would take very good care of my dad. She said, "I will see you tomorrow and I am here Saturday and Sunday too." This all occurred while being a preceptor to another nurse. She was observant and frequently provided guidance on the care of my dad. I saw her knowledge, compassion, positivity, and confidence shine through to her preceptee. She was always coaching in a positive way.

My daughter shared with Emily about my dad's military service, and the news clip about his experience as a Navy sailor on the ship that was made into the movie "1000 Men and a Baby." Emily came back later and told us that she learned about my dad's experience. Again, I was touched. Over the 3 days, she was there with a positive attitude and a great smile that showed through her eyes. At one point, she noted that my dad's "brain drain" wasn't working and she worked her magic with her knowledge and it began to drain as it should. She did this all calmly and talked gently with my dad; Emily frequently showed her preceptee things to assess and to be aware of. Emily is an amazing and compassionate nurse. Mercy, and the patients Emily cares for, are extremely lucky to have her.

What Emily did not know is that I am a long-time nurse and have been a nurse in management for many years. I have seen some of my nurses receive the DAISY Award which brings me great joy. Those nurses who received the special award were wonderful. However, I can only think of 1 that was equal to what Emily did for my dad and for my family. With COVID, and the stress it has put on all of us, we need to keep nurses like Emily and she needs to be recognized for her special gift of knowledge, compassion, and precepting. She needs to know the difference she made for my dad and my family. I was so touched by her that I shared that I was a nurse, but have been in leadership for many years. I wanted her to know how important all that she did for my dad was and to never lose her passion for what she does.

Emily needs to be recognized for the care, compassion, and difference she makes every day. ICU is a stressful place for families and we need her! We need her for her care and also for being a preceptor of new nurses. What a fabulous nurse to be a preceptor as she demonstrated her assessment skills and compassion. Emily emulates the DAISY Award. I was happy that my dad was improving and was to be transferred to another unit, but sad that I may not see Emily again. The DAISY Award is a beautiful way to remind Emily of all she does especially during tough times. And that she would always remember my dad and the difference she made! God bless Emily!