Perla Gaxiola Quintero, BSN, RN, PCCN

**Perla – DAISY Award Nomination**

This recognition is long overdue.

I am continually in awe of Perla—not only as a colleague and charge nurse, but as a human being. She embodies what nursing is meant to be: strength, competence, composure, and deep compassion.

What finally moved me to sit down and write this nomination was hearing her, as charge nurse, gently ask her team, "How are we doing? Do you all need anything? A hug maybe?" In a unit that is fast-paced, emotionally heavy, and often overwhelming, those words mattered more than she likely realized. In that moment, she wasn't just leading—she was caring for her caregivers. That is who Perla is.

I have worked alongside Perla for many years, and her work ethic and demeanor have never wavered.

A few months ago, while she was serving as charge nurse, a code was called. As the neighboring unit, we responded immediately. In the midst of that high-intensity situation, the Unit Assistant notified us that a comfort care patient's heart rate was rapidly dropping. I went to assess and found that the patient had passed. I remained with the family to provide support during their first moments of grief.

Within minutes, Perla entered the room. What I witnessed next has stayed with me forever.

She transitioned seamlessly from directing a life-saving code to standing quietly at the bedside of a grieving family. Her voice softened. Her presence steadied the room. She offered condolences with sincerity and dignity.

The family had one heartfelt request. They wanted their loved one's mouth gently closed to make her more presentable. It may seem like a small detail to some, but to them it meant everything. Perla treated that request with urgency, creativity, and profound respect. She honored their wish as though it were her own family member lying there. Watching her provide such tender, intentional post-mortem care was deeply moving.

As if that moment were not heavy enough, one of the patient's daughters entered the room, overcome with grief. She developed chest pain and began feeling faint. Without hesitation, Perla assessed her, remained calm yet decisive, consulted with the family, and ensured she was safely transported to the Emergency Department.

She protected the living while honoring the deceased—all within the same moment.

To witness Perla move from leading a high-intensity code, to providing dignified end-of-life care, to recognizing and responding to a new medical emergency, and then returning to support her team, was nothing short of extraordinary. She never faltered. She never rushed. Most importantly, she never lost her humanity.

This is not an isolated event. It is simply who she is.

Perla consistently demonstrates exceptional clinical judgment, steady leadership under pressure, and a depth of empathy that cannot be taught. She uplifts her team, comforts families during their darkest moments, and advocates fiercely for every person entrusted to her care.

Perla does not simply practice nursing—she embodies its very soul.

It would be a profound honor to see her recognized with the DAISY Award because nurses like Perla are the reason patients, families, and colleagues remember not only the care they received, but the love, dignity, and humanity with which it was given.