March 2026
Whitney D
Wisdom
,
RN
Ortho/Neuro unit
Norton Audubon Hospital
Louisville
,
KY
United States
She created a sense of safety, unity, and morale during a time of uncertainty and hardship.
I want to recognize Whitney for the extraordinary compassion, leadership, and dedication to her staff during a significant winter snowstorm. During this severe weather event, when many were struggling just to safely get to and from work, she went far beyond her professional responsibilities to care for her team.
She personally cooked two full meals at home and brought them in to ensure her staff was fed, supported, and able to focus on patient care without added stress. She also went to the store on behalf of a staff member, making sure they had the essential items they needed. When a staff member became stuck while traveling during the storm, she immediately helped coordinate assistance to ensure the employee’s safety, further demonstrating her deep concern for her team’s well-being.
Her actions exemplify the true spirit of nursing leadership—selflessness, advocacy, and compassion in action. She created a sense of safety, unity, and morale during a time of uncertainty and hardship. Whitney consistently leads by example and shows her staff that they are valued not just as employees, but as people.
For these reasons, I believe she is exceptionally deserving of this DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
***
As of now, I am a first-year nurse. I’ve learned so much in such a short time. I feel when you’re hired somewhere, that place is taking a chance on you. Ms. Whitney gave me that chance to show her and Norton Healthcare what I am made of.
There are so many times I’ve had questions and concerns, even times when I wasn’t my best, and I was able to call her without hesitation or worry. I took some hard losses during my first year, and I wasn’t sure how I would move forward. Whitney informed me of the steps I could take for time off to be with my family. Whitney helped me when I found out the days I needed to set up my leave.
Being at my most broken and being able to call her right at that moment, and the response I received was everything I could’ve asked for. I feel managers aren’t mentioned enough for the behind-the-scenes work they do for us. I’m writing in hopes that she can be recognized just as I have been.
She took a chance on me, and I want to keep on pushing and doing my very best with the opportunity I have been given. My graduation from Encompass was another way she showed up for me. She was present and even gifted me with flowers for a job well done. This was something she did not have to do.
I truly hope she can be seen in the light that I see her in by all!
She personally cooked two full meals at home and brought them in to ensure her staff was fed, supported, and able to focus on patient care without added stress. She also went to the store on behalf of a staff member, making sure they had the essential items they needed. When a staff member became stuck while traveling during the storm, she immediately helped coordinate assistance to ensure the employee’s safety, further demonstrating her deep concern for her team’s well-being.
Her actions exemplify the true spirit of nursing leadership—selflessness, advocacy, and compassion in action. She created a sense of safety, unity, and morale during a time of uncertainty and hardship. Whitney consistently leads by example and shows her staff that they are valued not just as employees, but as people.
For these reasons, I believe she is exceptionally deserving of this DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
***
As of now, I am a first-year nurse. I’ve learned so much in such a short time. I feel when you’re hired somewhere, that place is taking a chance on you. Ms. Whitney gave me that chance to show her and Norton Healthcare what I am made of.
There are so many times I’ve had questions and concerns, even times when I wasn’t my best, and I was able to call her without hesitation or worry. I took some hard losses during my first year, and I wasn’t sure how I would move forward. Whitney informed me of the steps I could take for time off to be with my family. Whitney helped me when I found out the days I needed to set up my leave.
Being at my most broken and being able to call her right at that moment, and the response I received was everything I could’ve asked for. I feel managers aren’t mentioned enough for the behind-the-scenes work they do for us. I’m writing in hopes that she can be recognized just as I have been.
She took a chance on me, and I want to keep on pushing and doing my very best with the opportunity I have been given. My graduation from Encompass was another way she showed up for me. She was present and even gifted me with flowers for a job well done. This was something she did not have to do.
I truly hope she can be seen in the light that I see her in by all!