Holly
Szukala
May 2026
Holly
Szukala
Pennsylvania Western University
Somerset
,
PA
United States
Holly exemplifies the essence of compassionate nursing by showing that healing is not only about treating illness but also about nurturing the whole person.
I would like to nominate Holly for the DAISY Award in recognition of their outstanding compassion and dedication to patient care.
During a recent clinical experience, Holly was caring for a patient labeled "grumpy" by the overnight staff. As she introduced herself and started her morning tasks, Holly found her patient to be an elderly woman who was upset because she wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything, was anxious about her family, who were unable to come visit, and was just lonely. Instead of simply completing the required clinical tasks, Holly took the time to truly listen to the patient’s concerns and offer reassurance. Her calm, empathetic presence helped to ease the patient’s distress, and they formed a therapeutic rapport throughout the day. Her "grumpy" patient smiled every time Holly walked in the room.
What stood out most was Holly's recognition that the patient was seeking spiritual comfort. With great sensitivity and respect, Holly prayed with her. This act of kindness went beyond the physical aspects of care—it addressed the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs at a deeply human level.
Holly exemplifies the essence of compassionate nursing by showing that healing is not only about treating illness but also about nurturing the whole person. Her ability to provide care with such empathy, respect, and humanity demonstrates the qualities we strive to foster in future nurses.
For these reasons, I am honored to nominate Holly for the DAISY Award. She is a true example of the extraordinary difference compassionate nursing can make in the lives of patients and families.
During a recent clinical experience, Holly was caring for a patient labeled "grumpy" by the overnight staff. As she introduced herself and started her morning tasks, Holly found her patient to be an elderly woman who was upset because she wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything, was anxious about her family, who were unable to come visit, and was just lonely. Instead of simply completing the required clinical tasks, Holly took the time to truly listen to the patient’s concerns and offer reassurance. Her calm, empathetic presence helped to ease the patient’s distress, and they formed a therapeutic rapport throughout the day. Her "grumpy" patient smiled every time Holly walked in the room.
What stood out most was Holly's recognition that the patient was seeking spiritual comfort. With great sensitivity and respect, Holly prayed with her. This act of kindness went beyond the physical aspects of care—it addressed the patient’s emotional and spiritual needs at a deeply human level.
Holly exemplifies the essence of compassionate nursing by showing that healing is not only about treating illness but also about nurturing the whole person. Her ability to provide care with such empathy, respect, and humanity demonstrates the qualities we strive to foster in future nurses.
For these reasons, I am honored to nominate Holly for the DAISY Award. She is a true example of the extraordinary difference compassionate nursing can make in the lives of patients and families.