December 2025 Honoree
Makena Pekarek, BSN, RN
I would like to nominate Makena Pekarek from the Telemetry Unit for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Ms. Pekarek exemplified the ICARE value of commitment while caring for her patient on telemetry. The patient was accompanied by a young family member, a 13-year-old child, who stayed with her during hospital admission.
Understanding the potential challenges the patient faced at home, Ms. Pekarek showed remarkable dedication to supporting both the veteran and her family. She engaged with the patient and took the time to ask the right questions to better understand the patient’s social situation. Then collaborated with Telemetry management, social work, physicians, and a multidisciplinary team to secure resources and support for the patient and her child in preparation for discharge. Ms. Pekarek’s advocacy ensured that necessary services were established, thereby addressing the safety and welfare of both the patient and her young family member.
Understanding the potential challenges the patient faced at home, Ms. Pekarek showed remarkable dedication to supporting both the veteran and her family. She engaged with the patient and took the time to ask the right questions to better understand the patient’s social situation. Then collaborated with Telemetry management, social work, physicians, and a multidisciplinary team to secure resources and support for the patient and her child in preparation for discharge. Ms. Pekarek’s advocacy ensured that necessary services were established, thereby addressing the safety and welfare of both the patient and her young family member.
Thank you, Makena, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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