Nikki Ness exemplifies the Patients are First model at UWMC and the ideals recognized in the DAISY Award. Nikki started on the Resource Team as a new grad nurse in 2011. Since then, Nikki has grown to be a true resource and a role model on our team. Her skill, compassion, and teamwork are evident in her everyday practice.

Nikki immediately came to mind as a DAISY nominee because of the feedback we receive about her on a regular basis. Nikki's patients rave about her care in discharge calls. One particular patient transferred from 7NEC to another floor and upon discharge her family went back to 7NE to find someone to give feedback to about the care his wife had received from Nikki. His words were, "Nikki treated my wife as if she were family."

Nikki treats every patient with compassion and is able to communicate well with some of our most challenging patients. She was recognized by a 6NE charge nurse for initiating communication to one of the medical teams to set up an effective plan for a patient that was frustrated with his or her care. She is an excellent advocate for her patients with other members of the team, and is excellent at navigating the system to get her patient what they need.

Not only does Nikki get recognized by her patients regularly, but also by UW staff. In rounding, Nikki's name continues to come up again and again as someone who supports her peers. In the role of transport RN she seeks out other members of the Resource Team and offers them help with their busy patient loads. Nikki has been called out by one of our new grad RNs for taking the time during a shift to explain to her, and walk her through a complex tubing change. Nikki was also recognized by one of her PCT colleagues for being very respectful and communicating well.

Nikki comes to work with a great attitude every day. Her compassion, flexibility, and engagement make her an excellent candidate for the Daisy award.