I started my nursing career in the same cohort as this nurse, and I cannot believe that they have not been nominated for a DAISY Award yet, as they embody what it means to be a prudent and compassionate nurse every single day. There are too many specific moments and day-to-day practices of their nursing care to name here in a nomination, but I will discuss a few that I have witnessed and admired over the three years I have known them.

This nurse honors equity in health education in their job role and takes the extra time to make sure every patient's needs are met. Once, I saw her take over an hour with a medical interpreter to perform home diabetes education with a patient who had never had someone take the extra time to answer his questions and discuss these aspects of their care before. As a night shift nurse for a patient who would likely not be discharged for days to come, this wasn't something expected of the nurse, but it was something they knew would make a difference in the patient's life.

Next, I will always remember a day when the nurse had a patient placed on comfort care pretty early in the shift. They displayed true compassion in the way that they stayed at the patient's bedside, held her hand, spoke to her through it all, and also advocated for extra measures to support the patient's comfort in their final moments. This nurse displays excellence in caring for the patient in all aspects, beyond just their physical needs.

Lastly, this nurse goes above and beyond for their team every day, especially while in the charge nurse role. Our unit always admires how they keep busy the entire shift and are present for every member of the team (nurses and PCAs alike). They always find something to do that will ease someone else's burdens, including things as small as taking out full linen bags and sending labs.

Everyone knows they will be supported when this nurse is present. I cannot think of a nurse more deserving of a DAISY Award, and I am honored to have grown as a nurse working alongside them.