I would like to nominate JD Leal for the DAISY Award. JD led the charge to assure a trauma patient was able to honor her dad on Father's Day. This patient was originally injured in an MVC about 18 months ago. After over a month in the ICU, six operations to repair her extensive injuries, and in-patient rehab the patient was able to go home. The patient continued to follow up in the trauma clinic for continuity of care and was re-admitted in June for a follow-up surgery by the trauma surgeons. During this visit, while JD was starting an IV on the patient, he asked her about wishing her dad a Happy Father's Day. She told him she didn't have any money and being hospitalized wasn't able to get him a gift. JD reminded her of the gift she already was to her dad and went purchased a gift for her to give him, and further motivated other unit staff to join in when her dad visited.
JD's actions go far above and beyond what the nursing job responsibilities encompass; yet, this is precisely what the caring profession of nursing is all about. JD's obvious compassion, displayed through his actions, perfectly demonstrates the art of caring that is the heart of nursing. He is well-deserving DAISY Award recipient.