It is with great honor that I nominate this nurse for the DAISY Award. She shows extraordinary dedication and compassion to her patients and their families. She cared for a 26-year-old female patient who was involved in a motor vehicle accident. The patient was stopped on the side of the interstate and was rear-ended by a car going 80 miles per hour. She suffered a severe brain injury and was later found to have Diffuse Axonal Injury. As one of her primary nurses, this nurse built a rapport with both the patient and family. Even when she was not the primary nurse, she would always find time to braid the patient’s hair, as it served as a source of comfort to the patient and her parents. After 22 days in the ICU, the patient was transferred to an LTAC. She was then taken home, where she requires total care provided by her wonderful parents. This nurse has continued to follow the patient’s journey after her discharge from Northside and has since visited the family at their home. She demonstrates a profound commitment to the patient’s well-being.

Understanding the emotional and physical toll on the family, she provided the parents with an evening of respite, where they were able to enjoy a show knowing their daughter was well taken care of. This thoughtful gesture allowed the family to take a break from their daily struggles, reinforcing the importance of self-care during challenging times. Moreover, her empathy and proactive approach allowed her to recognize the family’s needs. She served as a source of comfort to the patient’s mother, who explained to the nurse the family’s daily care routine and sheer out-of-pocket expense to alone provide the supplies needed. These out-of-pocket expenses exist as insurance for the patient remains pending.

Recognizing the family’s needs during the holiday season, this nurse collaborated with the critical care department to sponsor the patient’s family for Christmas. She assisted in sharing the patient’s story throughout multiple departments, wrapping drop-off boxes where donations can be collected, and worked with the Unit Clinician to collect donations of supplies that would aid in care. She also set up a fundraiser to assist the family in their goal to purchase a rear-entry, handicap accessible van in order to transport the patient to and from her medical appointments. She fostered a culture of giving among staff and together the critical care department was able to gift the family a very special Christmas consisting of gifts for the patient and her family, medical supply donations from Medline and MoInlycke, and a donation towards their goal of a handicap accessible van. Most importantly, she was able to show that the care of a nurse goes far beyond the date of discharge.