Samantha Colombo, BSN, RN

I am nominating Sam for the DAISY Award for her exceptional compassion and trauma-informed care on our postpartum unit. As the assigned RN for a postpartum patient with substance use disorder, Sam provided unwavering, nonjudgmental support during an incredibly heartbreaking situation when DCFS took custody of the patient’s newborn. She maintained a calm, empathetic presence and ensured the patient felt respected, supported, and not alone during a time of profound grief, both in the meeting with DCF and afterward. One especially meaningful act was when she made footprints of the newborn while the mother still had custody, giving the patient a tangible memory of her baby during an otherwise traumatic experience. This thoughtful gesture went far beyond routine nursing care and demonstrated true compassion and advocacy. As a fellow RN, I witnessed Sam exemplify the very best of nursing. She is deeply deserving of the DAISY Award.