May 2026 Honoree
Kayla Smith 2026, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
Kayla exemplifies the heart, science, and art of nursing education. Her passion for teaching, commitment to evidence-based practice, and unwavering compassion make her an extraordinary nurse educator whose impact extends across learners, colleagues, and the nursing profession.
At the core of Kayla's work is empathy. She consistently creates a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where nurses feel respected, valued, and confident to ask questions and grow. Learner and peer feedback repeatedly describe Kayla as kind, approachable, thoughtful, and deeply supportive. During some of the most challenging periods, she steps forward with calm assurance and genuine care, ensuring nurses feel supported while upholding patient safety and compliance. Her ability to connect, reassure, and guide others reflects the very spirit of the DAISY Award.
Kayla is also an exceptional communicator. She listens attentively to learners, unit leaders, and peers, translating complex clinical, regulatory, and evidence-based concepts into clear and meaningful education. Whether facilitating competencies, leading simulation, or presenting at regional and system-level conferences, Kayla communicates with clarity, warmth, and precision. Her presentations with Sheila Doucett on antibiotic stewardship and small-volume infusion practices at the WIN Conference, ONRQC, and the Providence System Nursing Research Conference demonstrate both scholarly rigor and an educator's gift for making research relevant to bedside practice.
As a role model and mentor, Kayla leads by example. She precepts MSN students, mentors nurses new to the Nursing Professional Development specialty, and serves as a trusted resource for caregivers and leaders alike. Colleagues note her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, take on unfamiliar challenges, and support others, especially during times of uncertainty. Kayla models professionalism, curiosity, resilience, and humility, quietly nurturing leadership qualities in others while never seeking the spotlight.
Kayla's adaptability is among her greatest strengths. She skillfully modifies teaching strategies to meet diverse learner needs across multiple settings and specialties. From urgent restraint competency education to rapid updates of face-to-face education in response to changing needs, Kayla demonstrates agility without sacrificing quality. Her responsiveness to real-time feedback ensures education remains relevant, effective, and learner-centered.
A defining characteristic of Kayla is her dedication to lifelong learning. She holds national certification as an NPD-BC, earned her MSN in Nursing Education, and actively participates in research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice initiatives. Kayla has presented original research at the WIN Conference, ONRQC, and the Providence System Nursing Research Conference, embodying the role of a nurse educator who not only teaches best practices but helps create them.
Finally, Kayla excels at building collaborative relationships. She works seamlessly with bedside nurses, leaders, interprofessional partners, and Oregon educators. Whether supporting Magnet and accreditation efforts, coordinating system educational responses, or sustaining shared governance through leadership transitions, Kayla brings people together with authenticity and purpose.
In every sense, Kayla represents the very best of nursing professional development. She does not simply educate—she empowers, uplifts, and leaves a lasting imprint on everyone she encounters. Kayla is profoundly deserving of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award.
At the core of Kayla's work is empathy. She consistently creates a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where nurses feel respected, valued, and confident to ask questions and grow. Learner and peer feedback repeatedly describe Kayla as kind, approachable, thoughtful, and deeply supportive. During some of the most challenging periods, she steps forward with calm assurance and genuine care, ensuring nurses feel supported while upholding patient safety and compliance. Her ability to connect, reassure, and guide others reflects the very spirit of the DAISY Award.
Kayla is also an exceptional communicator. She listens attentively to learners, unit leaders, and peers, translating complex clinical, regulatory, and evidence-based concepts into clear and meaningful education. Whether facilitating competencies, leading simulation, or presenting at regional and system-level conferences, Kayla communicates with clarity, warmth, and precision. Her presentations with Sheila Doucett on antibiotic stewardship and small-volume infusion practices at the WIN Conference, ONRQC, and the Providence System Nursing Research Conference demonstrate both scholarly rigor and an educator's gift for making research relevant to bedside practice.
As a role model and mentor, Kayla leads by example. She precepts MSN students, mentors nurses new to the Nursing Professional Development specialty, and serves as a trusted resource for caregivers and leaders alike. Colleagues note her willingness to step outside her comfort zone, take on unfamiliar challenges, and support others, especially during times of uncertainty. Kayla models professionalism, curiosity, resilience, and humility, quietly nurturing leadership qualities in others while never seeking the spotlight.
Kayla's adaptability is among her greatest strengths. She skillfully modifies teaching strategies to meet diverse learner needs across multiple settings and specialties. From urgent restraint competency education to rapid updates of face-to-face education in response to changing needs, Kayla demonstrates agility without sacrificing quality. Her responsiveness to real-time feedback ensures education remains relevant, effective, and learner-centered.
A defining characteristic of Kayla is her dedication to lifelong learning. She holds national certification as an NPD-BC, earned her MSN in Nursing Education, and actively participates in research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice initiatives. Kayla has presented original research at the WIN Conference, ONRQC, and the Providence System Nursing Research Conference, embodying the role of a nurse educator who not only teaches best practices but helps create them.
Finally, Kayla excels at building collaborative relationships. She works seamlessly with bedside nurses, leaders, interprofessional partners, and Oregon educators. Whether supporting Magnet and accreditation efforts, coordinating system educational responses, or sustaining shared governance through leadership transitions, Kayla brings people together with authenticity and purpose.
In every sense, Kayla represents the very best of nursing professional development. She does not simply educate—she empowers, uplifts, and leaves a lasting imprint on everyone she encounters. Kayla is profoundly deserving of the DAISY Nurse Educator Award.
Thank you, Kayla, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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