"Patient care is so integral to my life," says Jill. "I am blessed to be able to do what I want to do and what I'm meant to do."

Jill's willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty to help care for patients along with her excellent interpersonal and clinical skills and decision making capabilities made her a natural candidate for The DAISY Award, says Rhonda Duncan, interim CNO.

"Jill treats every patient with kindness and compassion. She explains everything she is doing and what is next. Jill connects with the patient on a personal level and makes them feel comfortable," Rhonda says.

Jill says she knew she wanted to work in healthcare and the sciences from a very early age. She worked as a CNA at Latah Care Center in the 80s and had an epiphany one day as she was walking down the hall. "I just knew I had to be a nurse," she says.

Jill credits the ER team and her patients with making her job rewarding. "Coming to work everyday with the people I work with makes it pleasurable and something I look forward to doing," she says. "Whether you have a bad day or not, patient care is integral to my life."