Being in the hospital on a holiday is never an easy task and being in the hospital on Christmas is probably the hardest, especially when patients don't have family who can visit them. This year was Maureen's year to work Christmas and each year for the past four years, even when she wasn't working, she has gone above and beyond to make Christmas special for every patient on the unit. Every year since Maureen has started working on R2, she has purchased small gifts for all of the patients on the unit out of her own pocket. This year in particular, she had small gifts for every patient on the unit to open and on Christmas afternoon, she and the staff went around singing Christmas carols to all of the patients and handed out the gifts for them to open.

The patients were so touched by this small act of kindness. One patient wore the scarf she had given to him for the next several weeks while he was a patient on the unit. Another patient commented that he couldn't remember the last time he had gotten so many gifts at Christmas time. It was so touching to see each of the patient's face light up as they heard the staff singing and passing out gifts.

I think Maureen is highly deserving of the DAISY Award for her compassionate care. As a staff member working a holiday, it can be difficult to put aside thoughts of your own loved ones on the holiday, but Maureen focuses each year on what she can do to put a smile on every face during such a difficult time and she does this year after year, even when she isn't working. As a fellow nurse, to see such a small act have such a big impact on patients is what all nurses should be striving for. Maureen deserves this award for the incredible compassion and time she gives to her patients.