As an RN for 50 years and 35 as a clinical nursing instructor, I’ve had the privilege of working with some excellent nurses. I hold nurses to a high standard, and my nominee, Zack Moseley, surpassed that standard by far. I recently had surgery that resulted in a cancer diagnosis, which I first learned of on MyChart (the evening of surgery). I spent a sleepless night worrying, anxious to get answers from my surgeon. The next morning, the surgeon’s partner saw me, had not seen my pathology results, and said I’d get more information at my follow-up visit in 2 weeks. Fortunately for me, my nurse that morning was Zack.

I had been crying when Zack entered my room. He immediately noticed I was upset and asked what was going on with me. He acted as if he had all the time in the world when I knew he didn’t. The floor was full, understaffed, and busy, yet Zack took time to sit down and allay my concerns. On hearing that I was to wait 2 weeks to discuss pathology results and a treatment plan from the surgeon, Zack conveyed my concerns to the charge nurse and subsequently to the surgeon. He and the charge nurse advocated for me, as a patient, in a manner I’d never witnessed. They called the surgeon, told him they didn’t feel comfortable discharging me in the distress I was in, and without me knowing a plan going forward. They requested he talk to me. Very shortly, the surgeon called and explained the pathology results and his preliminary treatment plan. Without Zack’s intervention, I would have worried as I waited for answers until my 2-week follow-up appointment.

When d/c’d, Zack provided excellent discharge teaching. At discharge, patient transport wasn’t available. So Zack personally accompanied me out of the hospital, a task a busy RN certainly didn’t have time to do. I joked to my family that Zack could have been a post-op drug-induced hallucination. Maybe he was an Angel from above; but he was surely as excellent a nurse as I have ever had the pleasure of seeing in action. His technical skills, as well as his interpersonal communication skills were extraordinary. As a patient advocate, he’s in a class of his own. Prisma Health is fortunate to have him on its staff. Zack deserves to be recognized and encouraged to continue to impact others with his knowledge, skill, and compassion, but most of all, with his gift for making a difference in his patients’ lives. Thank you, Zack, for caring for and inspiring me. I know you will continue to excel and make a difference in many more patients’ lives, as you did in mine. Zack Moseley exemplifies true excellence and professionalism in Nursing. For that reason, he is highly deserving to be recognized with the DAISY Award.