I would like to nominate Denice because she exemplifies the DAISY Foundation's ideal of clinical excellence, compassion and care. As a long time ED employee, Denice has been a role model in excellence to new and old ED staff. She treats each patient with compassion and professionally. No matter how busy the night, each of her patients are treated as if they are her only concern.

I came to Salem Hospital in 2008 as a travel RN in the Emergency Department, and was greeted with warmth and kindness. Denice was one of the staff members that played a key role in my decision to stay and become a part of Salem Health. Denice helped me to learn the protocols, policies, and procedures of our department. Denice is the nurse I aspire to be, she is genuine and compassionate, but also strives to provide the best and safest care possible. In her practice, she has demonstrated the importance of caring for not only the patient lying on the stretcher in front of us, but also the family, friends, and visitors that enter our department.

I love to work with Denice. In her quietness, she shines bright. Denice is always offering to help her co-workers. In working with Denice, you can rest assured that the care provided will be extraordinary and complete. Denice also has stellar charting making a clear representation of the patient, their appearance, medical complaint, and the cares that have been given. Denice keeps her patient rooms and workspace clean. She also makes it easy for an oncoming RN to assume care. Denice has been my nurse idol for my entire nursing career. I have looked up to her and learned from her every step of the way.

Most recently, Denice's care and compassion saved a life. Denice was in Triage where she found a blue sheet indicating that a patient was coming to the ED due to an elevated INR. There was no date or time on the sheet, just the patient's name and the problem. As time passed and the patient did not come in she began to investigate. After making multiple calls and leaving messages she reached the patient and providing education as to the risks of his elevated INR, injury prevention and attempting to change his mind. He finally agreed to see his PCP in the am. A message was also left for our Discharge caller asking her to call the patient in the am. The next morning the patient was brought to the ED by ambulance with an even higher INR and admitted for treatment. As usual Denice played down her role in the man's care and treatment giving credit to the team. This is just one example of the exceptional care Denice provides her patients on a nightly basis.

Denice has been involved in many department committees working on process improvement. She is also an active member of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) on a local, state and national level. She has served as an officer at both the local and state level and has represented Oregon at numerous National ENA Conferences.

It's not uncommon to hear others remark that Denice is their role model for Professional Excellence. I am proud to be her co-worker and I to strive to meet her standards.