I am honored to nominate Gloria Ponciano for the DAISY Award at Stanford Health Care. Gloria exemplifies Caritas Nursing through her exceptional compassion, clinical excellence, and leadership.

Her commitment to patient-centered care is evident in every interaction. One remarkable example of Gloria’s impact involved a medically complex patient with multiple comorbidities and a developmental delay. The patient’s family faced significant challenges in managing his care, leaving them overwhelmed and uncertain. Gloria took care of the patient and was the only one who could attend to the patient and family the way she did. She immediately stepped in, not only advocating for the patient’s needs but also providing the family with unwavering support. She met them where they were in their healthcare journey, offering guidance, reassurance, and encouragement. Her ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and advocacy ensured that the patient received the best possible care while empowering the family with the knowledge and confidence to participate in their healing process. The patient's body was fighting every intervention and was hemodynamically unstable, but Gloria calmly and expertly navigated through every challenge, calming the patient and his family with her presence. Gloria fosters deep connections with patients and their families, creating a safe and supportive environment in which they can express their fears and emotions. As a mentor to her colleagues, she promotes a positive work environment and shares her knowledge to encourage growth and collaboration.

For her unwavering compassion and dedication to patient care, I wholeheartedly nominate Gloria for the DAISY Award. She is a remarkable nurse and advocate, truly deserving of this recognition.