It is with great esteem that I nominate an extraordinary nurse who exemplifies all of the values of the DAISY Award. There is not just one story or event of how this amazing nurse demonstrates these values, but how these values are seen each and every day.

Theresa, no matter how busy she may be, will always help her co-workers from her department, as well as other departments on our floor. Theresa will never say no to helping her team. She embraces our work family and is always there for us. She brings homemade foods or desserts to our department, and for the holidays, we always look forward to eating her delicious soda bread and brownies, just to mention a few. This level of generosity and care is to be commended. She brings to our department a sense of warmth and family closeness. She will always assist with anything a patient may need or with something that her co-workers may need. She is always one of the first to extend a helping hand and contributes so generously when it comes to helping.

During those times that we would select a family in need during the holidays, she would be the first to come in with toys and clothing for the patient, baby, and family. We are an OB/GYN ambulatory clinic, and we service patients from group homes, patients who are developmentally delayed, and patients who do not have the financial means. Theresa always extends herself to ensure they feel comfortable and is there to lend them a kind word or statement. Her compassion is seen each and every day.

We have returning patients who ask for Theresa because they remember how helpful and caring she was during their other pregnancies. We all have certain times in life when we go through unexpected events, whether it be with our families, sicknesses, or deaths. Theresa has been there for us when we have gone through such events to lend words of support, encouragement, advice, and care. This is so crucial because while we are going through certain challenges/emotions, we still need to service our patients. Having Theresa available to us makes a world of difference. She takes care of all of us, and in return, we feel better during our working hours here. 

Theresa has such a wonderful sense of humor and such a distinctive laugh. She makes our work area fun, and it transpires in us feeling happy and in a good mood. This good mood spills over to us during the rest of the day, and patients pick up on this energy. She has also made our patients laugh, easing their worries and fears in times of uncertainty. We have Spanish-speaking patients, and she has made it important to improve her Spanish-speaking skills. She wants to make the patients feel comfortable and she utilizes her skills when speaking to them. She is a nurse who can always be relied on to get things done. She can multi-task and will be there for you all the way if you need her. She has dedicated herself to her patients and co-workers for over 40 years. She truly embodies what it means to uphold the values of this award.