Our daughter was recently hospitalized and spent two weeks under care before being discharged. During that time, we encountered many wonderful staff members, but one nurse in particular stood out: Shaina.
We would like to nominate Shaina for the DAISY Award because she exemplifies what it truly means to be a nurse. Our daughter has Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), and while many assume that individuals with special needs are always treated with extra kindness and patience, that is not always the case. Shaina, however, was exceptional.
Our daughter was very ill, battling RSV with a complication of asthmatic bronchitis. She was scared, not fully understanding the severity of her condition, and grew nervous each time a new face entered the room. Shaina was extra-sensitive to her apprehension. One moment stood out to us in particular. When Shaina came in to check our daughter's breathing, she noticed how anxious she became at the sight of the stethoscope. Rather than proceed quickly, Shaina paused. She left the room and returned with a second stethoscope - then gently placed it on her own chest and invited our daughter to "listen" to her heart. It brought a big smile to her face.
That small act of empathy spoke volumes. I was almost in tears witnessing such kindness. Shaina recognized that what our daughter needed in that moment wasn't just clinical care - it was trust, reassurance, and connection. Only after our daughter relaxed and smiled did Shaina take her vitals.
There are so many other moments in which Shaina treated our daughter with such loving, watchful care. She is the epitome of what a nurse should be: skilled, attentive, and deeply human. She treated her not just as a patient, but as a person - with dignity, intelligence, and heart. Her compassion brought comfort to our entire family, and we are incredibly grateful. We wholeheartedly nominate her for the DAISY Award.