I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Colleen Dikon. In the 3 years I have worked with her in the Surgical/Trauma ICU, Colleen has developed into a compassionate, empathetic, and confident nurse eager to go above and beyond for her patients, their families and her coworkers. A perfect example of her eagerness to improve her nursing practice can be seen in the achievement of her specialty certification. She recently volunteered to go to Boston to learn about the new dialysis machines so she could return and educate all of us on it.

If Colleen's name is mentioned in the CICU, her colleagues have only good things to share about her. She shines as a preceptor, and is frequently depended upon by new staff. She often assumes the charge nurse role and is respected for her positive attitude and thoroughness.

Colleen is extremely empathetic and naturally caring, especially with patients whose behavior or management possess challenges to many. In one situation, a patient was actively dying, the room was filled with family members, and that can be a tough assignment for any nurse caring for both patient and family. Without hesitation Colleen showed sincere compassion for not only the patient, but for each of the family members. Despite the poor prognosis, Colleen took the time to answer all questions posed by the anxious and upset family members providing a shoulder to cry on, or a hand to hold.

Most recently a patient who was struck by a vehicle when returning from grocery shopping for his "shut-in" neighbor was admitted to the SICU. Even the groceries were brought to the unit and placed in the employees' refrigerator. ALthough he was not Colleen's patient, Colleen offered to drive her colleague to the "shut in" neighbor to deliver the groceries, and it was during a snowstorm.

I feel Colleen's actions are above and beyond what is considered standard nursing practice, and her behavior exemplifies what the DAISY Award honors.