When you think of a DAISY Honoree, you think of someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty. In leadership, we look for someone who is accessible, available, and responsive to the needs of others; well, Valley Presbyterian Hospital has a manager who meets all those categories and more. I am talking about Kristina Lawrence.

Kristina is an exceptional resource to her staff, patients, and colleagues. No job is too small or too large. She is someone who, if something is wrong or happening in her unit, is in the know and on it. A 20-year-old patient arrived at the Emergency Department with acute ingestion and a history of opiate abuse, requiring intubation and resuscitation.

Throughout his 5-month stay at VPH, Kristina demonstrated exceptional compassion by not only managing the patient's care but also navigating complex family dynamics and legal challenges. Despite facing ethical dilemmas and emotional strain, Kristina consistently advocated for the patient's best interests. When the patient passed away, Kristina's selfless actions, including comforting the patient's grandmother and offering prayers, showcased her unwavering dedication to patient care. Her boundless compassion and commitment make her an invaluable asset to the ICU and VPH. Kristina embodies every aspect of nursing vision and nursing excellence. Simply put, Kristina is an extraordinary nurse. Kristina represents VPH well as she strives for excellence in patient care and problem-solving.