Marie N Vandruff
April 2026
Marie N
Vandruff
,
RN
6 North
WVU Medicine United Hospital Center
Bridgeport
,
WV
United States
A simple “thank you” is enough to bring tears to her eyes, and you can see that Nikki truly did not expect to be told that someone is grateful for her simple existence.
It is such an honor to nominate Nikki for the DAISY Award. There are not enough words to capture what she means to our patients, our unit, and anyone lucky enough to know her. Nikki has a way of walking onto the floor and immediately making everything feel steadier. She brings a calm, deeply compassionate presence that everyone can feel. You can tell she isn’t just completing tasks on a list. She connects, she listens fully, explains gently, advocates fiercely, and treats every single person around her with dignity and patience.
Even on the busiest shifts, her patients never feel rushed or overlooked. They feel seen. I have never gotten as many kind words about someone from patients as I do about her. Every person I’ve cared for alongside her sings her praises and genuinely is relieved when they hear that she’s coming back for another shift that evening. What makes Nikki truly extraordinary is that her unyielding, astonishing level of compassion extends just as strongly to her coworkers as it does to her patients.
No one ever feels like they are drowning when she is on shift. If someone is overwhelmed, she asks how she can help. She steps in without hesitation. She will put her own breaks on hold or stay a few extra minutes to make sure someone else is okay. She never does it for recognition; she does it because she genuinely cares. A simple “thank you” is enough to bring tears to her eyes, and you can see that Nikki truly did not expect to be told that someone is grateful for her simple existence. Because, to her, it goes without saying that you should always turn around to help the next guy in line.
As someone who works beside her, I can say that Nikki creates a safe space for growth. You can ask her any question, no matter how simple or how many times you’ve asked before, and she will respond with kindness and respect. She never makes anyone feel small. Instead, she speaks in a way that builds confidence. She uplifts, she reassures, she reminds you why you chose this profession in the first place.
Nikki also puts so much effort into continuing to grow as a nurse. She seeks out knowledge, reflects on her practice, and strives to be better every single day, not because she wants applause, but because she loves what she does and wants to provide the best care possible.
That kind of quiet dedication is rare. She embodies everything the DAISY Award represents: clinical excellence, compassion, teamwork, humility, and heart. Nikki is the kind of nurse patients remember. She is the kind of nurse new grads and students look up to. She is the kind of nurse we all hope to become. It is an absolute privilege to work alongside her, and I only hope this nomination helps her see how truly appreciated she is by everyone who knows her.
Even on the busiest shifts, her patients never feel rushed or overlooked. They feel seen. I have never gotten as many kind words about someone from patients as I do about her. Every person I’ve cared for alongside her sings her praises and genuinely is relieved when they hear that she’s coming back for another shift that evening. What makes Nikki truly extraordinary is that her unyielding, astonishing level of compassion extends just as strongly to her coworkers as it does to her patients.
No one ever feels like they are drowning when she is on shift. If someone is overwhelmed, she asks how she can help. She steps in without hesitation. She will put her own breaks on hold or stay a few extra minutes to make sure someone else is okay. She never does it for recognition; she does it because she genuinely cares. A simple “thank you” is enough to bring tears to her eyes, and you can see that Nikki truly did not expect to be told that someone is grateful for her simple existence. Because, to her, it goes without saying that you should always turn around to help the next guy in line.
As someone who works beside her, I can say that Nikki creates a safe space for growth. You can ask her any question, no matter how simple or how many times you’ve asked before, and she will respond with kindness and respect. She never makes anyone feel small. Instead, she speaks in a way that builds confidence. She uplifts, she reassures, she reminds you why you chose this profession in the first place.
Nikki also puts so much effort into continuing to grow as a nurse. She seeks out knowledge, reflects on her practice, and strives to be better every single day, not because she wants applause, but because she loves what she does and wants to provide the best care possible.
That kind of quiet dedication is rare. She embodies everything the DAISY Award represents: clinical excellence, compassion, teamwork, humility, and heart. Nikki is the kind of nurse patients remember. She is the kind of nurse new grads and students look up to. She is the kind of nurse we all hope to become. It is an absolute privilege to work alongside her, and I only hope this nomination helps her see how truly appreciated she is by everyone who knows her.