Sarah has only been in Critical Care for barely a year, but she already has made such an impact that it’s hard to imagine a time before her. What is unique is that Sarah is the educator but has still found a way to make lifelong impressions on patients.

In PCU alone, we have had a huge influx of new staff/new grads. She has helped mold them to be empowered advocates while retaining their individuality and not just being Sarah 2.0. She doesn’t just give the answer, she tells you how to find it. If there is a skill, she will hype you to believe you can do it and that you don’t need her. Even though she isn’t bedside anymore, she still isn’t afraid to jump in when she can lighten the load.

A few weeks ago, we had a 26-week term baby born in our ER. In a previous life, Sarah was a NICU nurse so when I saw her in the hall I asked if she heard about the baby -- half joking because it was 430 and I knew she would be heading home. Sarah did go to check it out and walked in and saw they were coding the baby. Instead of panicking or slipping out the door, Sarah knew this wasn’t the preferred practice anymore and sternly said "Stop" and took over the care. Fixing the breathing first, Sarah remained at the bedside assuming care, and stayed for two hours until the baby was safely transferred to SJMC NICU. Sarah not only made a lasting impact on the mother and baby, and one could argue changed the trajectory of their lives, but also on all the nurses who heard that she spoke up when she knew what was right and led by example -- empowering them to do the same, which will impact all of their patients.

Yes, Sarah doesn’t work bedside, but she is still worthy of the DAISY because she still manages to be the type of nurse you hope you or your loved one has.