It takes a special person to work with sick children and their families, but more importantly to support the clinical staff that cares for these patients and their families. This nurse leader is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected. Always an advocate for patient care, she also advocates and supports the staff so they can provide exceptional care. Helena has developed excellent relationships with the interdisciplinary team and welcomes the new resident rotations each month, orienting them to pediatrics. Helena's talents as a nurse leader could not be more apparent than when she is working with the staff. She mentors the nursing assistants and CSAs so they can perform their duties to the best of their abilities. She provides positive reinforcement and creates true comradery for all staff members.

To increase staff morale, "Christmas in July" came to the Peds unit. Raffle baskets were donated and all staff could participate in an auction for their favorite. All things Christmas were on full display including the staff wearing their holiday scrubs, Helena being the ultimate cheerleader. Helena is the future of our nurse leaders and is most deserving to be recognized as a DAISY Nurse Leader.

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Helena has been a pediatric nurse since 1998 and has become a great example of nurses here at NYULI. She is now the Assistant Nurse Manager and is great at her job. She wears so many hats and wears them well. She is always ready to jump in and take a patient no matter what is going on during the day and is the best morale boost for our unit. She is the best supporter of nurses and staff on the unit.