I would like to nominate Lorina Punsalang for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award wholeheartedly. Working closely with her during our sepsis initiatives and Magnet accreditation gave me the opportunity to truly witness her outstanding leadership in action. Lorina leads with purpose, passion, and unwavering dedication. She ensures we are well-supported, heard, and valued. Her work ethic is unmatched, often the first to arrive and the last to leave, and always willing to step in wherever she’s needed. I’ve seen her troubleshoot issues in real time, guide us through challenges with grace, and even volunteer as a chauffeur for the Magnet appraisers just to make sure everything went smoothly. She fosters an environment of transparency and trust, where we feel safe to voice concerns and confident that action will follow. Her professionalism, poise, and calm presence uplift those around her and set the gold standard for leadership. What makes Lorina even more exceptional is her heart for celebration. After all the hard work we put into our accreditations, she made sure we took the time to celebrate as a team, reminding us that our efforts matter and that joy is part of the journey. Those moments were not just fun, they were empowering and incredibly rewarding. Lorina doesn’t just lead, she inspires. Her influence brings out the best in us, and I truly hope her kind of leadership continues to shape the culture of our organization for years to come.

***

I’d like to recognize Lorina Punsalang as an exemplary leader. When she assigned me as the sepsis champion, I saw her professionalism at the highest level. She didn’t just give me a role, she supported and guided me every step of the way. Her trust in me gave me confidence, and her leadership style made me want to show up as my best self every day. She always checks in with us not just to manage tasks, but to genuinely see how we’re doing. She asks for feedback, listens with an open mind, and acts on what we share. That kind of leadership builds trust, and it shows she truly values her team.

And of course, she never lets us go hungry, literally! Whether it’s a long shift or a stressful week, she brings food, lifts our spirits, and reminds us that we’re not just staff, we’re a team, and we matter.

In every way, Lorina exemplifies what a great leader should be. Supportive, approachable, humble, and someone who leads not just with her title but with her heart.