Nicole Uzubell
May 2026
Nicole
Uzubell
,
BSN, RN
CardioThoracic Vascular Transplant Unit
Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital and Health Care Center
Indianapolis
,
IN
United States
She is the kind of nurse every patient hopes for, and every nurse strives to be.
I am honored to nominate Nicole for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care, compassion, and leadership she brings to the CVTU every single day. As a day shift nurse in a high-acuity cardiac ICU, she is the steady presence that both patients and staff rely on. Known as the “mom” of the unit, she instinctively cares not only for her patients but also for the new and often overwhelmed nurses who look to her for guidance, reassurance, and strength. She creates an environment where people feel safe, supported, and capable.
What truly sets her apart is her commitment to treating the whole patient and their family—not just their diagnosis. She consistently goes above and beyond in ways that are deeply personal and meaningful. She has taken the time to gently wash and braid a patient’s hair to prevent matting, brought in bath products she purchased herself so patients can feel clean and dignified, and even picked up outside food to bring comfort and a sense of normalcy during long hospital stays. In one instance, she took a patient’s blanket home to wash it so it could return fresh, clean, and reminiscent of home. These acts of kindness are not part of her job description—they come purely from her heart.
Alongside her compassion is an exceptional level of clinical expertise. She is incredibly intelligent with sharp instincts, often anticipating patient needs before they are even voiced. Her ability to recognize subtle changes and intervene early has prevented patient deterioration on multiple occasions. She brings a calm, focused presence in high-stress situations and is someone the entire team trusts without hesitation.
She is equally dedicated to her colleagues. She is always the first to step in to help troubleshoot a complex situation, assist with unfamiliar tasks, or support a teammate through a difficult moment. She carries the weight of challenging situations with strength and grace, often shielding others while ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Her presence brings a sense of ease and confidence to the entire unit. She is the backbone of the CVTU—humble, honorable, incredibly skilled, and full of heart. She brings not only excellence in care, but also warmth, humor, and light to those around her. She is the kind of nurse every patient hopes for, and every nurse strives to be. Without question, Nicole is deeply deserving of the DAISY Award.
What truly sets her apart is her commitment to treating the whole patient and their family—not just their diagnosis. She consistently goes above and beyond in ways that are deeply personal and meaningful. She has taken the time to gently wash and braid a patient’s hair to prevent matting, brought in bath products she purchased herself so patients can feel clean and dignified, and even picked up outside food to bring comfort and a sense of normalcy during long hospital stays. In one instance, she took a patient’s blanket home to wash it so it could return fresh, clean, and reminiscent of home. These acts of kindness are not part of her job description—they come purely from her heart.
Alongside her compassion is an exceptional level of clinical expertise. She is incredibly intelligent with sharp instincts, often anticipating patient needs before they are even voiced. Her ability to recognize subtle changes and intervene early has prevented patient deterioration on multiple occasions. She brings a calm, focused presence in high-stress situations and is someone the entire team trusts without hesitation.
She is equally dedicated to her colleagues. She is always the first to step in to help troubleshoot a complex situation, assist with unfamiliar tasks, or support a teammate through a difficult moment. She carries the weight of challenging situations with strength and grace, often shielding others while ensuring the best possible patient outcomes. Her presence brings a sense of ease and confidence to the entire unit. She is the backbone of the CVTU—humble, honorable, incredibly skilled, and full of heart. She brings not only excellence in care, but also warmth, humor, and light to those around her. She is the kind of nurse every patient hopes for, and every nurse strives to be. Without question, Nicole is deeply deserving of the DAISY Award.