Markia Davis, RN

I would like to recognize Markia for the extraordinary compassion, kindness, and care she provided to my dad and our family during an incredibly difficult time.

My dad has been facing a very complex medical situation of Alzheimer’s mixed with alcoholism, and navigating his care has been one of the most difficult experiences my family has ever gone through. Markia cared for my dad during a previous hospitalization as well, and even then, I remember her as an exceptionally compassionate and caring nurse. When she cared for him again, she once again demonstrated what makes nursing so much more than simply providing medical care.

Markia went out of her way to make sure I understood what was happening with my dad and what the plan of care would be. I was alone in the hospital advocating for him, but I felt I had her by my side. She took the time to explain things, answer my questions, and make sure I never felt like I was being left in the dark. During moments when I was overwhelmed and upset, she showed me patience and compassion. She helped calm me when I was struggling emotionally and provided comfort when I desperately needed it.

What meant the most to me was that Markia seemed to truly understand what my family was going through. Throughout this complicated process, there were many medical professionals involved in my dad’s care, but Markia was the one person who made me feel genuinely heard and understood. She recognized that behind the medical situation was a daughter trying desperately to advocate for her dad and navigate circumstances that were incredibly painful and confusing. She never made me feel like I was a burden or that my questions were too much. Instead, she treated me with kindness and respect and made me feel like my concerns mattered. Her compassion extended beyond my dad as her patient; she cared about the family who was standing beside him.

Nurses like Markia remind families why compassionate nursing matters so much. Her knowledge and professionalism were evident, but it was her humanity that I will remember most. During one of the hardest chapters my family has faced, she gave us something that cannot be measured in a medical chart: reassurance, understanding, dignity, and comfort.

I am forever grateful that Markia was part of my dad's care team. She made an incredibly difficult experience a little less frightening, and she made me feel less alone.

For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate Markia for the DAISY Award. She embodies the compassion, empathy, advocacy, and extraordinary nursing care that this award represents. I hope she knows how deeply appreciated she is and how much her kindness meant to our family.