June 2026 Honoree
Samantha Neely, BSN, RN
I am honored to commend Samantha Neely for the extraordinary care she provided to me during my stay in the Neuro ICU following a very complex revision spinal reconstruction surgery. Having already endured multiple spine surgeries and complications over the years, this procedure was one of the most significant and challenging experiences of my life.
During my five-day stay in the ICU, Samantha consistently demonstrated a level of compassion, professionalism, and dedication that far exceeded anything I could have expected. While her clinical skills were exceptional, what I will remember most is the dignity and kindness she showed me during some of my most vulnerable moments. Due to the length of my surgery and the effects of anesthesia, I experienced significant difficulty urinating and required repeated in-and-out catheterizations throughout my ICU stay.
As an older man, I cannot adequately describe the embarrassment, anxiety, and discomfort I felt having to go through this process repeatedly while being cared for by a young female nurse. Yet Samantha never once made me feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or ashamed. Instead, she approached every interaction with professionalism, empathy, and genuine kindness. She reassured me, eased my anxiety, preserved my dignity, and made an incredibly difficult situation much easier to endure. What could have been one of the most humiliating experiences of my recovery became manageable because of the way she cared for me.
Samantha's care extended well beyond me and included my wife, who remained by my side throughout my hospitalization. She consistently kept my wife informed about my medications, treatments, and recovery progress, ensuring that she understood what was happening every step of the way. She also went out of her way to make my wife comfortable by bringing fresh blankets, towels, pillows, and ice whenever needed. These may seem like small gestures, but during a stressful hospitalization, they meant the world to us. Samantha recognized that healing involves caring for the family as well as the patient.
What impressed me even further was her unwavering commitment to her patients. During my stay, Samantha worked multiple consecutive twelve-hour shifts and even picked up an additional day caring for me and my wife. No matter how busy the unit became, she frequently checked on me, not only to monitor my vital signs, but simply to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. I often found myself apologizing for needing assistance, and she would immediately reassure me that taking care of me was exactly why she was there. She never made me feel like a burden. Instead, she made me feel like I was her top priority.
She combines outstanding clinical expertise with genuine compassion and humanity. Samantha exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents. During one of the most physically and emotionally challenging periods of my life, she provided comfort, hope, dignity, and exceptional nursing care to both me and my wife. We will never forget the difference she made in our lives. After 31 years as a military and test pilot, I have worked alongside many dedicated professionals throughout my life. Without hesitation, I can say that Samantha's compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient care rank among the very best I have ever experienced.
During my five-day stay in the ICU, Samantha consistently demonstrated a level of compassion, professionalism, and dedication that far exceeded anything I could have expected. While her clinical skills were exceptional, what I will remember most is the dignity and kindness she showed me during some of my most vulnerable moments. Due to the length of my surgery and the effects of anesthesia, I experienced significant difficulty urinating and required repeated in-and-out catheterizations throughout my ICU stay.
As an older man, I cannot adequately describe the embarrassment, anxiety, and discomfort I felt having to go through this process repeatedly while being cared for by a young female nurse. Yet Samantha never once made me feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or ashamed. Instead, she approached every interaction with professionalism, empathy, and genuine kindness. She reassured me, eased my anxiety, preserved my dignity, and made an incredibly difficult situation much easier to endure. What could have been one of the most humiliating experiences of my recovery became manageable because of the way she cared for me.
Samantha's care extended well beyond me and included my wife, who remained by my side throughout my hospitalization. She consistently kept my wife informed about my medications, treatments, and recovery progress, ensuring that she understood what was happening every step of the way. She also went out of her way to make my wife comfortable by bringing fresh blankets, towels, pillows, and ice whenever needed. These may seem like small gestures, but during a stressful hospitalization, they meant the world to us. Samantha recognized that healing involves caring for the family as well as the patient.
What impressed me even further was her unwavering commitment to her patients. During my stay, Samantha worked multiple consecutive twelve-hour shifts and even picked up an additional day caring for me and my wife. No matter how busy the unit became, she frequently checked on me, not only to monitor my vital signs, but simply to make sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. I often found myself apologizing for needing assistance, and she would immediately reassure me that taking care of me was exactly why she was there. She never made me feel like a burden. Instead, she made me feel like I was her top priority.
She combines outstanding clinical expertise with genuine compassion and humanity. Samantha exemplifies everything the DAISY Award represents. During one of the most physically and emotionally challenging periods of my life, she provided comfort, hope, dignity, and exceptional nursing care to both me and my wife. We will never forget the difference she made in our lives. After 31 years as a military and test pilot, I have worked alongside many dedicated professionals throughout my life. Without hesitation, I can say that Samantha's compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient care rank among the very best I have ever experienced.
Thank you, Samantha, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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