I am truly honored and humbled to have the unique privilege to nominate Ms. Bridget Maybury for the distinguished DAISY Award. I feel that she demonstrates the required hallmarks for the award for being an extraordinary Nurse who not only personifies but exhibits the core qualities that reflect this distinction. I can say with great conviction that she unequivocally embodies the spirit of the award that is annually given to Nurses who achieve excellence in the field of Nursing. Ms. Maybury’s dedication and devotion that she puts forth is not only seen at the JJP VAMC but it branches out throughout the local surrounding community. This lasting effect positively impacts so many lives in addition to bringing relief to disadvantaged families which is a result of raising much-needed awareness.

A cornerstone of her repertoire is her extensive research with preparing up-to-date critical education to be shared with everyone she is professionally attached to. It's especially needed during these dire and uncertain times. The Acronym I-Care (I-ntegrity C-ommitment A-dvocacy R-espect E-xcellence) represents the bedrock characteristics of the nursing profession. This catapults Ms. Maybury into being a Champion for her profession and community at large. These are very necessary essential principles that make Ms. Maybury stand out above the rest and simultaneously allow her to serve as a role model for other nurses to strive for. Judging from the scope of Acronym I-Care....in good faith, she absolutely instills the Integrity to Excellence aspect and everything in-between since took an oath to care for others. Her influence is remarkably palpable among everyone she crosses paths with. She is truly a valuable asset to her profession at the JJP VAMC. I have professionally worked closely alongside Ms. Maybury for over a decade. Her expertise and drive have no limits or boundaries. She perpetually goes above and beyond to re-educate the JJP VAMC staff on the subject matter of suicide. Her Utilization of implementing evidence-based research along with infusing a disciplinary approach has been highly effective, especially in terms of prevention.

For over a decade she was instrumental in spearheading Grand Rounds using her previously mentioned research on the subject of Suicide Prevention in particular geared towards the Non-Psychiatric Patient. This subject matter can be viewed as somewhat sensitive for some of the staff but yet at many of our Grand Rounds it was standing room only. Ms. Maybury’s tireless work on suicide fulfills the True North Strategic Plan for the James J. Peters VAMC. Pre-Covid -19 Ms. Maybury was closely monitoring the unusually high number of suicides occurring within the ranks of the NYPD. The NYPD happens to be the largest police department in the world. At its height, it had reached a total of 10 suicides for the calendar year. She next communicated this pivotal data to me and my team at the JJP. Afterward The NY,PD Employee Assisted Program /Health and Wellness Sgt. was asked by his supervisor to reach out to Ms. Maybury since she had a close relationship with the NYPD. She was also rapidly gaining recognition for her feedback for her research and symposiums regarding suicide prevention within the military but not limited to law enforcement. The personal invitation was for her to create a meeting and share her expertise and insight into examining the unusual correlation of suicide among uniformed personnel who just happened to be veterans.

Next, she cordially invited a psychiatrist psychologist and key members of the community outreach, and me to join her speaking forums in Manhattan. I was equally impressed by how she went outside the JJP VAMC by assisting notable units of our nation. The NYPD slogan is “To serve and protect.” As a sign of respect, Ms. Maybury wanted to do the same for them out of her appreciation for their years of dedication. She wanted to gather as much information that would hopefully work as a barometer thus predicting subtle and not-so-subtle warning signs. She also wanted to provide depressed officers who needed privacy with a safe space for them to ask for help. No shaming no labeling but a pathway for those feeling thoughts of suicidal ideation without having any pushback, fear of repercussion, or alienation.

Later Ms. Maybury was able to also take the lead at the table with the NYPD Deputy Inspector along with other members of the Health and Wellness of the EAU/Peer counselors. Following this, she and I feverishly collaborated with them drawing up a plan of action by utilizing newly found Education Valuable data while expressing our personal thoughts and seeking other introspective points of view for tackling this subject. This was done with an abundance of grace while simultaneously fostering an inclusive approach where this collective approach from all was gathered and treated with the highest regard.