The NICU journey is not one we ever expected to embark on. In between all the ups and downs of this journey, this nurse was there. Without her by our family’s side we would not have been able to endure the difficulties that we were put through during our daughter’s  stay in the NICU. 

From the first day she was assigned as our nurse, her clinical expertise, passion for nursing, and love for our daughter were clearly evident. On the 3rd day, we knew she would likely be off shift for a few days. We asked how we could ensure she would be assigned to us again once she returned, to which she wholeheartedly offered to be our Primary Nurse. This decision soon made her more than just our nurse but an unexpected family member to our three daughters, who spent their entire summer vacation and more in the NICU, and she always made sure they felt loved and comforted. She included them in bath time and showed them how they could help care for their baby sister. They always asked if she was on shift and were thrilled to see her when she was. 

This nurse shared many tears with us during our NICU stay yet was always comforting, compassionate, and professional. She made arts and crafts as keepsakes for us from hand and foot impressions. She was there for our family during very dark times and better times. She always had an answer to our many questions about procedures, medications, treatments, possibilities, next steps, etc. No matter what was thrown her way, she handled everything with unmatched expertise. She always took care of us like we were her own. She never failed to keep us updated on her status or upcoming changes, whether we were in the NICU or away. She ensured every other nurse knew exactly how to care for her so there wouldn’t be a lapse in care. 

She is structured in her care and always has a plan but knows how to shift gears if things don’t go according to plan. She advocated on our and our daughter’s behalf on how her care should or shouldn’t always go with her best interest at heart. She made us feel like we had a voice and were in control of her care. She made it seem as if she was her only patient, but we could clearly see how she treated every patient and family with the same level of care. She came into her life when nobody had many expectations for her.  But she never accepted that as an option and made it her mission to ensure that one day she would be thriving at home with us as she is now. 

There is so much more that can be said about this nurse. She is a kind and beautiful soul. She is so deserving of the DAISY Award and much, much more. She was born to be a NICU nurse and is an example for all other nurses to emulate. We are eternally grateful for the blessing she has been and the impact she has made not only in her life, but on our entire family’s lives. During our stay in the NICU, we met many, many wonderful nurses and staff. However, when we read about the DAISY Award and the criteria it takes to earn the award, one name comes to mind above everyone else, and that is Carlei Perkins.