Shakiba Elja, BSN

I am honored to commend Shakiba Elja for the DAISY Award. In the middle of a frightening and uncertain hospital stay, Shakiba was the steady hand and the powerful voice my mother and our entire family needed.

The most defining moment of Shakiba’s care was when my mother was facing discharge. We knew she was not ready because she still couldn’t swallow her medications. Shakiba stepped in immediately. She looked at us in the eye and said, “They are the doctors, but I am your nurse. I see you firsthand." She refused to let my mother be sent home until she had exactly what she needed. She moved fast, spoke up with authority, and ensured my mother’s safety was the top priority. That kind of advocacy is rare and life-changing. Despite the busyness of the ward, Shakiba never made us feel like a burden. She had a “motherly touch” that brought peace to the room. We never had to use the call light to find her; she made it a point to check in on my mom after every single one of her patients. That proactive care meant we never felt alone.

When our family had to make the incredibly difficult decision to transition to hospice, Shakiba’s support didn’t waver. She demonstrated patience. She sat with my mother and handled her care with such gentleness. She demonstrated clarity. She explained the process to us clearly.