July 2026 Honoree
Nadja Pritchard, RN
Nadja saved my life several months ago.
I was sitting here waiting to receive my Invega Sustenna injection when I looked up and saw information about the DAISY Award. It immediately clicked that there was one nurse who deserved to be recognized.
Several months ago, I was in a terrible state of depression. I had reached the point where I did not want to live another moment. Somehow, I found the courage to pick up the phone and call the Mental Health Triage Line at the VA Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. It was a Friday, about ten minutes before 4:00 p.m. I honestly did not think anyone would answer.
Then Nadja answered the phone.
I immediately poured my heart out to her. I told her everything I had been holding inside for years. I told her I did not want to live anymore. She listened without interrupting and let me say everything I needed to say.
When I had finally finished, she spoke with the calmest, kindest voice I have ever heard. She told me everything was going to be okay, that she was going to help me, and asked me to stay on the line. I did exactly that. Before I knew it, she had connected me with a therapist who just happened to still be in the building.
What I heard on the other end of the phone that day was hope.
Her voice immediately put me at ease. Nadja was incredibly professional, but more importantly, she made me feel like I mattered. I was not just another Veteran to her. I was a person. An individual. I knew she genuinely cared about me.
Ironically, I do not even remember the therapist's name. What I remember is Nadja. She made such a profound impact on my life that day that I will never forget her compassion, her empathy, and the exceptional care she provided during the darkest moment of my life.
The next time I saw Nadja, she was giving me my injection. She did not simply continue with her duties. She followed up with me, asking how I was doing and showing that she truly cared about my well-being.
That is why Nadja deserves the DAISY Award. She was there when I was in crisis. She gave me hope when I had none, treated me with dignity and compassion, and quite literally saved my life. Her extraordinary kindness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to caring for others embody everything the DAISY Award represents.
I was sitting here waiting to receive my Invega Sustenna injection when I looked up and saw information about the DAISY Award. It immediately clicked that there was one nurse who deserved to be recognized.
Several months ago, I was in a terrible state of depression. I had reached the point where I did not want to live another moment. Somehow, I found the courage to pick up the phone and call the Mental Health Triage Line at the VA Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska. It was a Friday, about ten minutes before 4:00 p.m. I honestly did not think anyone would answer.
Then Nadja answered the phone.
I immediately poured my heart out to her. I told her everything I had been holding inside for years. I told her I did not want to live anymore. She listened without interrupting and let me say everything I needed to say.
When I had finally finished, she spoke with the calmest, kindest voice I have ever heard. She told me everything was going to be okay, that she was going to help me, and asked me to stay on the line. I did exactly that. Before I knew it, she had connected me with a therapist who just happened to still be in the building.
What I heard on the other end of the phone that day was hope.
Her voice immediately put me at ease. Nadja was incredibly professional, but more importantly, she made me feel like I mattered. I was not just another Veteran to her. I was a person. An individual. I knew she genuinely cared about me.
Ironically, I do not even remember the therapist's name. What I remember is Nadja. She made such a profound impact on my life that day that I will never forget her compassion, her empathy, and the exceptional care she provided during the darkest moment of my life.
The next time I saw Nadja, she was giving me my injection. She did not simply continue with her duties. She followed up with me, asking how I was doing and showing that she truly cared about my well-being.
That is why Nadja deserves the DAISY Award. She was there when I was in crisis. She gave me hope when I had none, treated me with dignity and compassion, and quite literally saved my life. Her extraordinary kindness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to caring for others embody everything the DAISY Award represents.
Thank you, Nadja, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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