Miata Winders, RN, does the right thing, always. Many days, she has stayed after to call patients back, whether they were her triage patients or patients waiting for a call back from a medical assistant (which doesn't necessarily need her higher level of care!). She just makes the call to help out wherever she can. She advocates for her patients endlessly. If a patient is not getting the care they deserve, she will advocate for them to the providers and leadership until they do. She is an awesome nurse, and inspired me to apply for nursing school!

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Miata Winders truly embodies the essence of nursing excellence—compassionate, detail-oriented, and unwaveringly dedicated. As an RN in the Neurosurgery Clinic at The Center, St. Charles, Miata consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every patient feels cared for and supported. Her responsibilities span phone triage, wound checks, drain pulls, assisting medical assistants with any need, and much more, all executed with a calm, professional, and genuinely caring demeanor.

Despite being a relatively new nurse, Miata’s intelligence, motivation, and heart of gold shine through in every interaction. She approaches each situation with diligence and commitment to excellence, ensuring patients receive safe, high-quality care.

What sets Miata apart is her relentless drive for improvement, not only in her own practice but across the clinic. She actively works to standardize processes, streamline workflows, and enhance communication, making the environment safer and more efficient for both patients and staff. Recognizing that neurosurgery is not her original specialty, Miata has taken it upon herself to engage in self-study, learning the intricacies of neurosurgical care so she can anticipate needs and respond confidently in complex situations. This initiative reflects her deep sense of responsibility and her passion for delivering the best possible care.

A recent example of Miata’s exceptional practice occurred during a routine triage call. Miata not only provided thorough and timely support to the patient but also identified a critical discrepancy in the surgical documentation. While reviewing the patient’s chart, she noticed an inconsistency in laterality, a detail that could have had serious future consequences. Acting immediately, Miata escalated the concern to her leadership team and the provider. Thanks to her vigilance, the provider immediately corrected the operative note, preventing a potential future error. This “Good Catch” exemplifies Miata’s sharp attention to detail, clinical judgment, and her unwavering dedication to doing what is right for the patient.

Miata’s actions reflect the highest standards of nursing practice. She is a trusted resource for her team and a compassionate advocate for her patients. Her blend of clinical skill, critical thinking, and genuine kindness makes her truly deserving of this DAISY Award.