It is with great admiration and appreciation that I nominate Jay Wood for the DAISY Award. As the ED Educator for the busiest Emergency Department and three Freestanding EDs, Jay embodies the heart of nursing excellence through his tireless dedication, clinical expertise, and unwavering support for staff.

Jay is an exemplary educator whose wealth of emergency medicine knowledge is matched only by his approachability and passion for the field. Whether he’s developing and delivering quality education programs or jumping in to assist on the floor during peak times, Jay leads by example and inspires those around him to grow and excel. He consistently strikes a perfect balance between bedside support and educational leadership.

Jay is a constant, calming presence—always checking in on staff, offering guidance, and truly meeting people where they are. His ability to tailor his support based on each individual’s needs makes him an invaluable resource to new and experienced team members alike. Staff feel empowered and confident under his mentorship because he is accessible, accommodating, and never too busy to answer a question or lend a hand.

What sets Jay apart is not only his clinical expertise but also his genuine care for the people he serves. He advocates for the professional development of every team member and cultivates an environment of learning, safety, and compassion.

Jay Wood is the heart of our emergency nursing community, and we are beyond fortunate to have him guiding and growing the next generation of emergency nurses.