This submission is on behalf of staff who brought forward this letter of recognition to management. Our entire ED leadership team is in support of this nomination. Susan exemplifies our service values for every patient, every time. From the way she speaks to people as if they are family to the warm, caring energy she provides to all that she encounters. Susan is always introducing herself to her patients and updating their care boards. She frequently updates them on their plan of care. She is trusted by patients to provide excellent care and brings a sense of peace with her. Even with the mask on, her smile is infectious (in a good way). On one occasion, Susan spent extra time teaching a patient and family member how to give tube feedings after it wasn't quite what they had expected. She made them feel seen and supported them in learning a new task that they were anxious about. 

Our ED chief wrote, "I want to commend and thank you for your compassion and exemplary care given to our patients in the Emergency Department. You are decisive, caring, and a great patient advocate. I know my patients get better care when you are on shift."

From her peers: "We are thrilled to write this letter in wholehearted support of Susan's nomination for the DAISY Award. Susan is not only a compassionate and dedicated nurse but also a shining example of excellence in the healthcare field. Her commitment to compassionate care, clinical expertise, teamwork, patient advocacy, and professional development truly makes her deserving of this prestigious recognition. 
Susan's journey began twenty-six years ago with a heartfelt aspiration: to emulate her mother's nursing practice. Inspired by her mother's values, she set out to uphold the same standards of care and compassion that her mother believed in. Her mother's wisdom, which emphasized treating every patient with the same care and compassion as one would for one's own siblings, became a guiding principle in Susan's nursing practice. This legacy of love, commitment, and the desire to emulate her mother's compassionate approach can be observed daily in Susan's interactions with patients, families, and colleagues. 

Throughout the years, we both have had the privilege of working alongside Susan; her unwavering passion for nursing has been both inspiring and impactful. Her interactions with patients and their families reflect her genuine empathy and respect, creating an environment of comfort and trust. She treats every patient, every time, with the utmost respect and compassion, taking the time to listen to their concerns and needs. Her gentle and caring approach helps patients feel comfortable and safe in their care. By taking the time to listen to patients' concerns and needs, Susan ensures that they receive not only medical attention but also the emotional support crucial to their healing journey. 

Susan's commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards is a testament to her integrity as a nurse. Her transparent and ethical behavior sets an example for others to follow. She consistently chooses the path of honesty, even when faced with challenging decisions. This commitment to doing what is right contributes significantly to the culture of trust within the healthcare team. 

One of Susan's most remarkable qualities is her humility. Despite her remarkable achievements, she remains modest and focused on the well-being of her patients and colleagues. Susan's selflessness not only makes her an exceptional nurse but also a role model for her peers. Her dedication to patient-centered care encourages others to strive for excellence and places patients at the forefront of their practice. 

Beyond her exceptional care, Susan serves as a dedicated advocate for her patients. She takes on the responsibility of ensuring her patients' voices are heard and their needs are met, navigating complex medical situations with determination and compassion. Her dedication to patient advocacy is a reflection of her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those under her care. 

Amidst her many accomplishments, Susan also seeks to leave a lasting legacy. Her passion for nursing and her mother's memory is beautifully exemplified in her role as a mentor to new graduate nurses in the emergency department. Recognizing the importance of nurturing the next generation of nurses, Susan invests time and effort into training and guiding these novice caregivers. Her aim is not only to impart clinical skills but also to instill the values of compassion, respect, and patient advocacy that have been at the core of her nursing journey. Through this dedicated mentorship, Susan ensures that her mother's legacy lives on, while she continues to build her own. 

In conclusion, Susan's journey in nursing embodies every facet of her mother’s image of a nurse and principles and has shaped her into an exceptional caregiver who embodies the values of the DAISY Award. Her compassion, clinical prowess, teamwork, patient advocacy, and commitment to growth have positively impacted countless lives. As fellow nurses who value the rich legacy of nursing and compassionate care, we wholeheartedly endorse Susan's nomination for the DAISY Award. Her story is not only one of personal and professional growth but also a living tribute to her mother's enduring legacy.