I am proud to nominate Pamela, one of our exceptional charge nurses in oncology, for the DAISY Award. Pamela consistently brings excellence, heart, and leadership into every aspect of her work. She is a passionate advocate for her patients, a supportive leader for her team, and a lifelong learner who continues to raise the standard of care for everyone around her. For the past four years, Pamela has represented UCLA Health at the national Oncology Nursing Society conference. Each year, her work has captured attention for its impact, relevance, and heart. This year, her presentation on nurse retention in the oncology setting left a lasting impression on everyone in the room. She shared not just data, but stories. She spoke with clarity, passion, and depth, offering real solutions while reminding the audience why oncology nurses need support, purpose, and community. The room was inspired by her words, and many walked away with a renewed sense of commitment to their own units. Pamela put UCLA Health on the map through her leadership and voice. She reminded us that excellence is not measured by meeting the standard, but by surpassing it. As Pamela often says, one hundred percent is not enough. We aim for 110 percent. That mindset defines how she shows up every day.

What makes Pamela truly exceptional is how she brings that same energy and compassion to the bedside. She is not just present in the conference rooms. She is there in the hardest moments, supporting families when everything feels like it is falling apart. One recent example speaks volumes about her character. A patient on our unit had reached the end of their treatment options. The medical team had to deliver the news that nothing more could be done. The patient’s wife and sister were devastated. They were in shock and overwhelmed by the weight of what they had just heard. Pamela did not just check in. She sat with them, listened to them cry, and helped guide them through the reality of what was ahead. She explained everything with gentleness and care. She answered questions patiently and offered comfort without rushing. This family was Armenian, and Pamela took great care to honor their cultural needs and traditions. She made sure her words were respectful, her presence supportive, and her actions grounded in empathy. She connected with them in a way that felt deeply personal. It was not about protocol. It was about humanity. She made space for their grief, helped ease their fear, and stayed close as they processed the pain. That kind of presence is rare and unforgettable.

This is not the first time Pamela has shown this level of cultural sensitivity and emotional depth. She is especially passionate about serving the Armenian community and is always seeking to learn more. Her drive to improve communication and provide care that respects a patient's identity and background is something that defines her nursing practice. She is also OCN certified and continues to pursue professional growth so that she can deliver the highest quality of care in every interaction. Pamela is a true leader in oncology nursing. She lifts her team, advocates fiercely for her patients, and creates safe spaces for families during the most heartbreaking moments of their lives. She never settles. She encourages all of us to be better, to learn more, and to care more deeply. For her unwavering compassion, her cultural humility, her strength at the bedside, and her dedication to elevating oncology nursing on both the unit and national level, I am honored to nominate Pamela for the DAISY Award.