This nurse was nominated by 2 different patients’ family members! Here are some of the comments made by the family: “From the first time I walked into the unit I knew she was something special.” “Her empathy was incredible. I believe the way she treated my mother, as well as the family, increased the ‘healing atmosphere.’” “She connected with every member of the family. Her professionalism was off the charts!” Christina is an outstanding nurse and person who cares for the patient as well as the family. This hospital is lucky to have her!”

The second nomination comes from a family who asked to be here today to honor this nurse. “The DAISY Award is given to nurses who display extraordinary compassionate care. Nursing is so much more than completing tasks. Nurses are caretakers, educators, counselors, nurturers, lifesavers, and so much more. People who become nurses seek that career path because they want to have a positive impact. Nurses want to ‘fix things.’ I know because I am a nurse as well. Christina could not ‘fix’ my father-in-law. She knew that. What she did for him was provide him comfort when we could not. She talked to him when we weren’t allowed to be at his side. She placed pictures of his grandchildren around him and read him the card they had written. She held his hand when he took his last breath, staying an hour past her shift. She not only provided exceptional care to my father-in-law, but she also provided exceptional care to a grieving family. She cried with us. She had never even had a conversation with my father-in-law. She had no idea what an amazing human being he was, but she was able to sympathize with our pain.”