I recently spent 17 days in the ICU and an additional 10 days in the Covid ward. As a covid pneumonia patient there were many times that I feared for my life. In the absence of family, Nicole stepped in to bring me the strength and courage that I needed to fight for another day. During my darkest times, her tender care and loving touch made me feel safe. She demonstrated an unbelievable amount of compassion and understanding when my loved ones were unable to be at my bedside! I never felt alone when Nicole was on duty.

When the battle was hardest, and I felt I couldn't go on, she provided reassuring words and reminders of all that I had to live for! She seemed to 'feel' exactly what I needed at any given time, and then provided the perfect comfort...whether it was holding my hand, speaking words of encouragement, or preparing me for her days off, with assurances that I would be well cared for and that she would return to care for me on her next shift. Her devotion to her profession and to her patients goes beyond anything I have ever experienced. Nicole has a special gift of making her patients feel truly embraced and cared for. During my time of greatest need, she was the angel that stayed by my side and pushed me forward in my healing. I appreciate her so much that I shed tears when I was upgraded to the regular floor, knowing how much I would miss the love Nicole had showered on me.

This pandemic has stretched nurses to the point of physical and emotional exhaustion, but Nicole NEVER wavered in her unending dedication to nursing, which is why I believe she truly exemplifies the highest level of honor and integrity toward her profession. It is for these reasons that she is a DAISY Nurse! With the utmost love and respect for my angel, Nicole Murray!

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of moments that take your breath away"