For the last two weeks, I have had the pleasure of watching and also being involved with Heather's hectic workloads. In one week Heather has managed a patient who demanded to put him in a wheel chair and then when he stayed outside for over 30 minutes, Heather notified police appropriately. This can be very time consuming, and an annoyance, but Heather stayed firm and was looking out for the patient's best interests. At the same time Heather was taking care of her other patients who had around the clock pain medications and transfers to procedures. The next day Heather walked into a patient who went MIA, and when police were notified the patient's friend was found in the bed and things just got from bad to worse. Heather stayed calm and handled the situation like a pro. From a situation such as that, Heather wad able to walk into her other patients room with a smile on her face and laughter in her voice. Heather never vents to patients or says "I am busy with patient X", she treats her patients as if they are the only patient she is caring for. The third day Heather was complimented by her patient, and he stated, 'you are different' (in the most kindest way) this patient spoke broken English and was not feeling like himself. Heather created a relationship with this patient, and because of this relationship the patient opened up to her and she was able to tell her when he had a change for the worse. He then became unresponsive and was later transferred to the ICU. Heather has always explained what medication she is giving to her patients. Her sincerity is obvious in the tone and volume she uses at the bedside. She is kind with all patients and I have heard patients praise her on how extraordinary she is when it comes to showing love and concern to ALL her patients regardless of their personal life. Heather has been challenged with non complaint patients, who have been rude, used foul language, etc., yet she sticks to Parkland's guiding principles. She is VERY transparent with her patients, treatment team, manager, and student nurses ( she has been assigned to TWU students who shadow her). Heather is very respectful to her colleagues and patients. She treats all her patients with the respect they deserve. She doesn't take anything personally, she is professional with all staff such as environmental services,nutrition staff and physicians. Heather is all always engaged with the care of her patients, she escalates needs appropriately, and is trusted by all to take one for the team, whether that is taking on a heavier workload, more demanding patients, and even being involved in team conferences for the benefit of our patients. Heather leads by example: nurses trust her to take on new nurses to precept, shadow. She even participated in the nurse and physician collaboration challenge back in June. I get to see Heather personally perform above and beyond in terms of creating excellent relationships with her patients, their families and the treatment team. Heather always looks out for the best interests of her patients. Her standards are consistent, she never has a 'bad' day, she strives for excellence and just simply doing the right things. I am very proud of her and her ability to manage our complex patient population. Heather is never wasteful, she is mindful of the supplies and is cautious of the expenses she is reprehensible for. Heather is deserving of a DAISY award as she NEVER gives up. She has stated numerous times, Mary I think I attract problems, but I have told her it couldn't happen to a better nurse who knows how to deal with them. Heather is a problem solver, she stays professional and focused and does the right thing every time, keeps in communication with her team and makes patient care the number one priority every time! I must admit that Heather has had some trying shifts but she doesn't call in and is a true Parkland nurse who can handle anything! She is a trooper and I wouldn't change her for the world. She is currently in school advancing her education, and has a great working relationship with everyone. I am proud to nominate her for the DAISY AWARD!