Coming into work at Nac Medical Center as a brand new nurse, I had little to no idea about what to expect. Maria, one of the nurses who spent much of her time helping to train me, made the entire workplace feel like one where I was safe. Maria is the type of nurse who makes you feel like no matter the obstacle you may encounter in your day, it can be accomplished. She made me feel confident that I could ask for help without shame or fear; she helped shape me into the nurse that I am today, and most importantly, she is a great example to me of the type of nurse our patients need. Maria would always stress the importance of respect for the patient, even if, at times, the patient and or family had no respect for you. Maria works tirelessly to ensure that her patients have received the best care, have had all their needs met, and health concerns are being treated properly.

When Maria does not know, she asks questions and advocates fiercely for her patients. Aside from delivering great nursing care, Maria is an excellent team leader. I have worked many times with Maria as my charge nurse, and never have I felt alone, and never has there been a task too small for her to complete. This is especially important to point out because often times once a nurse becomes charge, they would rather allow their nurses to sink in the amount of tasks they have to do because those tasks are too small for them. Just today, for example, Maria was notified of a late staff member that was going to result in the delay of care for several patients, and quickly Maria jumped in to assist with the tasks that needed to be completed. All in all, Maria is an excellent example of the type of nurse I aspire to be, the type of nurse that patients want in their corner, and the type of nurse we want leading us each day. Maria is the meaning of a DAISY Nurse.