I am nominating Nalina Singh for the DAISY Award because she sets the pace and standards that the VNA embraces for all patients. Her compassion is certainly not 8:30 to 4:30. Her patients and families have told me how she calls in the evenings/weekends to check on them to make sure they are ok with the current situation. She has turned her car around many times after leaving a recent visit because someone was crying or frightened and needed to feel support with a physical presence. Her compassionate care with her colleagues is heartwarming; she is always willing to help, teach, and lend support. Nalina can and does serve as a mentor for the team because of her clinical competency. For example, she recently helped a nurse get a blood draw for a hospice patient. The nurse she helped called to express that it was a positive experience and how Nalina made a difference for her and the patient. She enjoys learning, maintains Healthstream requirements, always seeks to learn new processes, and supports the team's goals. It is a pleasure to watch Nalina always trying to help patients maintain their autonomy and advocate for them when they may not be able to express their needs. I have been witness to Nalina ensuring her assigned patients have all the hospice services they need to make sure their last journey is meaningful. She seeks patient support through any resource she can, including facility staff, family, and community resources engaging the team to find a resolution to challenging situations. In the worst of situations, where families were totally outraged due to a lack of knowledge, yelling, and not being respectful to her, she maintained total composure and confidence, was empathetic, and represented the VNA in a positive light. It is not only a pleasure but an honor to work with Nalina, as she knows that we have one opportunity to make a difference in all aspects of our patient's lives. Her smile, gentleness, and commitment are as powerful as any medication or treatment we can give!
*This is Nalina's second DAISY Award!