It is my great honor as Chief Nursing Officer to recognize Paul Springer, RN, with the DAISY Award.

Paul's journey at Mesilla Valley Hospital began in March 2024 as a Mental Health Technician. From the very beginning, Paul radiated a genuine excitement for nursing and a deep desire to serve others. I will always remember the light in his eyes the day he told me he planned to apply with us as an LPN - and again when he proudly shared that he would soon be stepping into his role as a Registered Nurse after completing his degree at Dona Ana Community College in 2025. His joy was contagious, and his commitment to growth was unwavering. 

One moment that will stay with me forever occurred when Paul was working on 3N as an LPN. He heard a patient on 4N in distress and quickly ran to help, despite not being assigned to that unit. Paul quickly recognized that the patient was struggling to breathe. She had an upper respiratory infection and a known history of COPD. Without hesitation, Paul checked her vital signs, retrieved her rescue inhaler, and placed her on oxygen. His swift, decisive action stabilized her, and even after she recovered, Paul continued to check on her throughout the day. Later, the patient told me how grateful she was for "The nurse who came when I needed someone most."

We did not yet have the DAISY Award in Mesilla Valley Hospital, but had it existed, I am confident that the patient would have nominated Paul herself.

Paul consistently put the needs of others before his own. As nurse leaders, we often had to remind him to pause, check his blood glucose, or take a moment to eat during his long 12-hour shifts. He cared for his patients with a level of devotion he rarely extended to himself. That was who Paul was - someone who instinctively gave, protected, and showed up for others. 

One of my final memories of Paul was watching him teach Emergency Management at our Skills Fair in November 2025. Though still early in his nursing career, he taught with the confidence, passion, and clarity of someone far more seasoned. Afterward, I asked if he had ever considered becoming a Nurse Educator. His eyes lit up instantly as he said, "Absolutely." Paul wanted to help. He wanted to make things better. And he did. 

Paul embodied every quality we hope to find in a nurse:

• Compassion
• Dependability
• Curiosity
• Advocacy

He cared for patients on units he wasn't assigned. He advocated for those whose voices were quiet. He lifted his colleagues. He made our hospital better simply by being in it. 

It is with profound grief that we acknowledge Paul's passing in December 2025 due to medical complications following hospitalization for pneumonia. And yet, it is also with profound pride that we honor him as Mesilla Valley Hospital's first DAISY Award Honoree. His legacy will live on here - not only in this award, but in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, courage, and heart. 

Paul Springer, RN, will always be remembered as an exemplary nurse. His life and service remind us why the DAISY Award exists.