Sarah Miller Ames, RN

I would like to nominate Sarah Ames for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary care she provided to my mother and our family during her final days in the ICU. From the moment Sarah walked through the ICU9 door, it was clear that she was not only an exceptional nurse, but an extraordinary human being. During one of the most difficult and painful times our family has ever experienced, she brought a sense of calm, compassion, and dignity that we will never forget. She took the time to explain everything she was doing for our mom- every medication, every intervention- ensuring that we were never left confused or afraid of the unknown. She even gave us a mini education session on the machines in the room, helping us understand what was normal, what to expect, and what changes might mean. That knowledge gave us a sense of peace, and her encouragement to ask questions and reach out to her anytime we needed anything at all.

What truly set Sarah apart from all the extraordinary nursing staff was her compassion. She didn't just care for my mom; she cared for all of us. She treated my mother with such tenderness, respect, and dignity in her final days, and she supported our family with empathy that went far beyond her clinical duties. In our final moments, she stood with us not just as a nurse, but as a source of comfort and strength. She cried with us, grieved with us, and showed us a level of humanity that we will carry with us forever. She loved us through the worst moments of our lives, and that is something we will never forget. There are not enough words to fully express our gratitude, but I can say with certainty that Sarah is everything the DAISY Award represents. She is truly exceptional, and we are forever thankful that she was there for my mom and our family when we needed her most. We will never forget her, and we will always have her in mind when we think of the very best in nursing. With deepest gratitude