February 2026 Honoree
Erica Harle 3, BSN, RN, CPHON
Story 1–
My son is nonverbal and autistic with severe sensory issues, making everything about his journey that much more difficult. However, there are rare occasions when you get a nurse like Erica who was able to understand, care for, and advocate for my son in a way most people wouldn’t even think to do. It was incredible.
She came up with creative solutions to make life a little easier for my son. She even made the really hard stuff seem like a breeze. For example, having to re-access his port every week is always a challenge, but not on Erica’s watch. She was able to set things up in a way that made it the smoothest process we have ever experienced. She did such a phenomenal job! We didn’t want her to leave!
She also supported me in big ways that left a lasting impression that I will be forever grateful for. If anyone deserves an award, it’s her!
***
Story 2 – Lillian Burns (RN) and Erica Harle (RSL)
I am honored to recognize two of our most dedicated caregivers, Lillian Burns (RN) and Erica Harle (RSL), for their truly exceptional and empathetic care of one of our most complex patients during a profound acute crisis. We all know the cases that require more than just clinical skill—they require every ounce of heart we have. This was one of those times.
When the patient was experiencing immense anguish following difficult news, both Lillian and Erica's hearts ached right alongside their patient’s. Their ability to remain focused on providing patient-first, harm-preventing care during such emotional turmoil is the hallmark of nursing excellence. The complexity of this patient's needs demanded significant resources, and Lillian and Erica didn't hesitate. They seamlessly tag-teamed the situation, demonstrating remarkable clinical leadership by coordinating all necessary disciplines and available resources. They worked tirelessly to settle the patient and ensure his safety, effectively becoming the patient's anchor when his parents, who were understandably needing a moment to decompress from the difficult news, couldn't be at the bedside.
Their teamwork extended far beyond the acute crisis event. In the difficult days that followed, when the emotional weight of this case was heavy on all of us, they were each other's unwavering support system. This nomination isn't just for a single day of heroic action, but for their consistent commitment to compassionate, resourceful care and for modeling the professional support and resilience that we need to see in every difficult case.
Lillian and Erica are true examples of caregivers who see the whole picture and step up when the need is greatest. They deserve this recognition for their clinical excellence, extraordinary resourcefulness, and deep well of compassion.
***
This is Erica's 3rd DAISY Award!
My son is nonverbal and autistic with severe sensory issues, making everything about his journey that much more difficult. However, there are rare occasions when you get a nurse like Erica who was able to understand, care for, and advocate for my son in a way most people wouldn’t even think to do. It was incredible.
She came up with creative solutions to make life a little easier for my son. She even made the really hard stuff seem like a breeze. For example, having to re-access his port every week is always a challenge, but not on Erica’s watch. She was able to set things up in a way that made it the smoothest process we have ever experienced. She did such a phenomenal job! We didn’t want her to leave!
She also supported me in big ways that left a lasting impression that I will be forever grateful for. If anyone deserves an award, it’s her!
***
Story 2 – Lillian Burns (RN) and Erica Harle (RSL)
I am honored to recognize two of our most dedicated caregivers, Lillian Burns (RN) and Erica Harle (RSL), for their truly exceptional and empathetic care of one of our most complex patients during a profound acute crisis. We all know the cases that require more than just clinical skill—they require every ounce of heart we have. This was one of those times.
When the patient was experiencing immense anguish following difficult news, both Lillian and Erica's hearts ached right alongside their patient’s. Their ability to remain focused on providing patient-first, harm-preventing care during such emotional turmoil is the hallmark of nursing excellence. The complexity of this patient's needs demanded significant resources, and Lillian and Erica didn't hesitate. They seamlessly tag-teamed the situation, demonstrating remarkable clinical leadership by coordinating all necessary disciplines and available resources. They worked tirelessly to settle the patient and ensure his safety, effectively becoming the patient's anchor when his parents, who were understandably needing a moment to decompress from the difficult news, couldn't be at the bedside.
Their teamwork extended far beyond the acute crisis event. In the difficult days that followed, when the emotional weight of this case was heavy on all of us, they were each other's unwavering support system. This nomination isn't just for a single day of heroic action, but for their consistent commitment to compassionate, resourceful care and for modeling the professional support and resilience that we need to see in every difficult case.
Lillian and Erica are true examples of caregivers who see the whole picture and step up when the need is greatest. They deserve this recognition for their clinical excellence, extraordinary resourcefulness, and deep well of compassion.
***
This is Erica's 3rd DAISY Award!
Thank you, Erica, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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