I am absolutely thrilled to nominate Molly Boyd for a DAISY Award. I have had the pleasure of working side by side with Molly for our entire career, spanning just over two years. In just that short time, I have watched her thrive and blossom into one of our best nurses and one of our strongest leaders. Although she does not hold a formal leadership title (i.e., charge, CNE, or shared governance chair), you would never know it. Molly leads by example in every other way that counts, consistently demonstrating integrity, accountability, compassion, and professionalism.

She flourishes in the CRN role, and staff frequently look to her for guidance because she naturally sets the standard for excellence. When she is working, she is the first person many of us call for help, and she is always willing to lend a hand. Additionally, Molly is always the first responder in emergencies or escalation-of-care events. Simply put, because she is the most prepared and best suited to assist. Every shift we work together, I can hear her reciting her patient's one-liner and memorizing their dosing weight, consistently preparing for the worst-case scenario, without ever causing undue panic, to ensure she is ready to act swiftly and safely. Molly is so in tune with her patients' baselines, which is what allows her to exude confidence in noticing any clinical changes. Her steadiness and clinical expertise provide reassurance to both staff and families during the most stressful moments. She is the nurse you want at your bedside during a code, a testament that several of her families have echoed and documented in hospital feedback and additional DAISY Award nominations. In this way, she is a quiet leader, setting the standard our nurses, new and old alike, look to follow.
Furthermore, Molly's communication skills are exceptional. She gives clear, respectful guidance to peers, supports and uplifts newer nurses, and promotes a collaborative atmosphere with providers and interdisciplinary partners. On several occasions, I have heard her express her desire to continue precepting newer nurses. Molly does not get enough opportunity to directly mentor our orientees, but that does not stop her from ensuring they become the strongest nurses possible. On many occasions, I have watched her spend time with peers at the nurses' station, gently explaining policies and educating them on emergency events, especially her forte, how to use a stopcock. She offers feedback that is honest yet kind, helping us all grow confidently in our practice. Patients and families trust her immediately, as she explains complex information with clarity and compassion.

Lastly, Molly participates in numerous unit-based committees, far more than most would take on, yet she contributes meaningfully to each. She supports CHOP's mission to drive positive change on 5 East and throughout the hospital through her roles as a Safe Sleep SME and champion of discharges, HAPI, and COTI. Each role is a pillar of her practice, ensuring that she provides not only the best care possible, but also sets her families up for success after they leave the hospital. Molly is the first to question orders, act on a gut-feeling, or escalate a concern, practices which stem from her experience in these committees.
Molly exemplifies what it means to be a leader, not by title, but by consistent action, integrity, and influence. She is deeply deserving of the DAISY Award.