Olivia is the backbone of our unit. She goes above and beyond in everything she does...from patient care to utilizing every teaching opportunity that may arise to being a constant source of encouragement for our staff. She is the source I always go to when I have questions or concerns about patient care, procedure, etc. I can always count on Olivia to teach me something new, be my team leader as well as my teammate, and help me grow as a nurse. 

I am honored to nominate my exceptional preceptor, Olivia Jones, for the DAISY Award. Olivia consistently demonstrates unwavering commitment to patient care, exemplifying qualities that go above and beyond expectations.

In a touching moment of patient care, Olivia went beyond the traditional scope of nursing duties to provide personalized comfort to a patient. Recognizing the patient's desire for a moment of joy, she took the initiative to paint her nails, creating a simple yet meaningful connection. This act not only enhanced the patient's sense of well-being but also demonstrated Olivia’s ability to recognize and address the emotional needs of those under her care.

Adding an extra layer of warmth, Olivia also incorporated the patient's love for music by singing Taylor Swift songs during the nail-painting session. This thoughtful gesture not only showcased her creativity in connecting with patients but also contributed to a positive and uplifting environment within the healthcare setting. Olivia turned a routine care moment into a memorable and personalized experience, highlighting her dedication to patient-centered care.

Her exceptional patient care and impactful mentorship have left a mark on both patients and colleagues. I wholeheartedly believe that recognizing Olivia with this award is a fitting tribute to her commitment to excellence in nursing.

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Olivia is an amazing nurse that definitely helped keep my daughter alive.  I once told her that we had a “love/hate” relationship.  I realize now, that she did not understand what I was trying to convey.  I absolutely “loved” her and the care that she provided.  Her knowledge, nursing skills, and care were absolutely second to none.

However, when times got tough, she was often the one who would prep us, and I “hated” that she was always right.  The best example of this was when my daughter was taken off the ventilator the first time, and we thought that was behind us, she warned us that it was a real possibility that she would have to go back on.  Even worse, if that were to happen, she warned us that would mean my daughter would ultimately need a trach/ feeding tube.  I hated that idea and prayed it would not happen.  Unfortunately, that is exactly what happened, and at that moment, I was very frustrated and mad.  Looking back it was the best thing that probably could have happened at that time.  I truly believe it helped speed along my daughter's recovery and helped us move out of the PICU and to TIRR.

We were very fortunate to have Olivia assigned to us. I know she played a critical role in not just helping my daughter in her moment of need but also helping my wife and me navigate a situation that neither of us had ever imagined.