I was a patient under the care of Tia Moffa in the Emergency Department. She cared for me not only physically but also with emotional empathy. Unfortunately, I had to go to the ED for care, and from the moment I arrived, Tia demonstrated remarkable skill, warmth, and professionalism. Not only did she make me feel safe and comfortable, but she also took the time to explain every step of my treatment plan, answering all of my questions with patience and understanding.

What truly stood out was her ability to balance technical expertise with a personal touch. Tia took extra time to reassure me. Her kindness and genuine concern made a world of difference in my recovery. Every time she entered my room, I felt like she truly cared — and that meant more to me than words can express. I never felt like just another patient in a busy system; I always felt like I was being cared for by someone who saw me as a person, not just a case. I never needed the call bell because she was already there for me, anticipating my needs. Being in the ED can be very uncertain, and fears can get the best of me. I always felt safe and cared for. I will never forget Tia; she made such an impression.

This isn’t just a job for Tia. She possesses exemplary integrity, work ethic, and commitment. Even during my lowest point, she made me smile and even laugh. She had a lasting positive impact on me that meant everything. With my deepest gratitude, I want to thank her.

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This is not your typical “lifesaving nurse” story—it is an incredible act of bravery that absolutely deserves recognition. The Daisy Award honors extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care, but heroic actions like pulling someone from a moving vehicle undoubtedly qualify. This act reflects Tia’s unwavering dedication to patient and public safety. Her courage is a true testament to her character, clinical instincts, and deep commitment to protecting life both inside and outside the hospital.

While taking her lunch break from the Emergency Department and sitting outside at a picnic table, Tia noticed something unusual. An elderly woman was pulling into the Same Day Surgery area to drop off a patient. After exiting her vehicle to retrieve a walker from the back, the woman realized the car was still moving. She attempted to get back inside, but the car began dragging her toward a stop sign and the roadway. Without hesitation, Tia ran to the woman’s aid and pulled her to safety, while another ED nurse jumped into the car to bring it to a stop. Thanks to their swift actions, the woman sustained only minor bumps and scratches—avoiding what could have been a devastating accident. Tia's quick thinking and selflessness averted a potential catastrophe. She placed another's safety above her own, acting without pause. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending—just another extraordinary moment in the life of a nurse. We often call nurses “heroes in scrubs,” and in this case, Tia proved that heroism doesn’t end when the shift does. She acted decisively in a high-risk situation, saving a life and embodying what it truly means to be a nurse.