It is indeed wonderful to receive a DAISY nomination for any one of our nurses, but when one of our nurses received several nominations that certainly provides testament to her compassion and competence from the perspective of her patients and physicians.

Patient Ms. B wrote - I have been a patient in the home dialysis unit. This nurse is very, very smart and she loves all her patients. She knows all our fears, and never gives up on you, even when we try to give up on ourselves. She makes sure we know everything about our condition through education. She shows empathy to her patients and their family. She will work very late nights and weekends if she needs to. She keeps the unit very clean, comfortable, and decorates it for all occasions. She works very closely with the doctors and the fellows and they learn from her too! She is constantly advocating for patients with kidney disease. She is an active member of the Association of Nephrology Nurses and the National Kidney Foundation where she volunteers on National Kidney Day and goes to Washington to advocate for us and our medical insurance. She also holds chronic kidney disease education classes at the hospital monthly. And she goes out into the schools and community to educate others in chronic kidney disease.

Patient Mr. G wrote - I would like to nominate this nurse for the outstanding work she has done ever since I found out that I would need to go on dialysis over two years ago. She along with her team of nurses educated me in the direction that is best for me without pressuring me, but making options fully available to me. She has always kept her professionalism in the forefront. Along with that knowing this disease is very scary, she genuinely cares for her patients. I am able to sit down and talk with her in confidence and knowing she completely understands my concerns and she is able to provide the right solution for the situation.

I remember one day I had a problem with my catheter and I was able to call her and not during office hours. She told me to go to the emergency department which I did, and then, how comforting it was for me to see her come through curtains to see about my needs. This nurse continues to be exemplify excellence in this field and I wouldn't want to leave to go to any other hospital knowing I have a caring professional nurse that cares and wants the best for me and not just saying it, but her actions makes me believe that I can get through this tough time in my life.

Dr. Daranee Chewaproug, attending nephrologist wrote this nominee is highly deserving of the DAISY Award because of her total dedication to nursing and the field of peritoneal dialysis. She has been with the department of nephrology for over thirty years and has been instrumental in the growth and success of the peritoneal dialysis program. She is loved by her patients and takes great care of their health issues. She will come in on weekends if needed and also does so when on call. She has organized fundraisers and holiday parties for the patients. She works well with other nurses and nephrology fellows who she helps to mentor every year. She also runs a very busy anemia clinic. In her spare time, she volunteers for the National Kidney Foundation Early Evaluation Program. She is a great role model with an extensive knowledge base and experience. She is a wonderful teacher with great patience, and a true patient advocate. We appreciate her work and feel she is very deserving of this award.

Of course, by now you know our DAISY Nurse is Nida Quirong-Jones.