Morgan Dingle, RN

One day, my life changed forever when my husband was transferred from a nursing facility to the hospital for what we believed was elevated blood pressure. That afternoon, I received a call from a cardiologist asking how aggressive I wanted to be with his care, given that my husband had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2023. During that call, I also learned he was in diabetic ketoacidosis—despite not being a known diabetic—and had suffered a massive heart attack. We have three young children, and not trying was never an option. He was life-flighted for emergent intervention and, after hours in the cath lab, survived stent placement and required a heart pump. He was then admitted to the CCU—where we met Morgan Dingle, RN.

From our very first interaction, I knew there was something special about Morgan. In the middle of a chaotic shift change and receiving report on a critically ill patient, she didn’t hesitate to show compassion. She made it possible for each of our children to go in and see their dad and say goodbye that first night—something I will carry with me forever. She then took the time to clearly explain everything that had happened and what the plan of care would be, ensuring we felt informed and supported despite the overwhelming circumstances.

Over the next three nights, Morgan provided extraordinary care—not only clinically, but emotionally. She worked tirelessly managing multiple critical drips, constantly monitoring, titrating medications, and collaborating with physicians. It felt as though she was never out of his room, fully present and completely dedicated. As a nurse myself, I understand the level of skill and focus that requires—and she delivered it flawlessly. But what set Morgan apart even more was her compassion.

As the reality of my husband’s condition became clearer, I found myself facing the most difficult decision of my life. I often turned to Morgan for guidance. She never told me what to do but gently reassured me that whatever decisions I made would be the right ones. That gave me strength in a moment when I felt completely broken. When her final shift ended, she hugged me and told me she would continue checking on my husband. The next day, I made the decision to transition to comfort care, and my husband passed peacefully early the following morning.

Days later, at my husband’s calling hours, I looked up to see Morgan—along with another CCU nurse—standing in line to pay their respects. In that moment, I was overcome with emotion. The fact that she took time out of her own life to be there for our family spoke volumes about the kind of person and nurse she is. Her compassion did not end when her shift did—it extended far beyond the walls of the hospital. Morgan provided not only exceptional, high-level nursing care, but also genuine human connection during the most devastating time of my life. She saw me, she understood me, and she supported me in ways I will never forget. I wholeheartedly believe Morgan embodies everything the DAISY Award represents. With deepest gratitude.