My father was transferred to St Anthony's Hospital in Rockford on Saturday after falling and breaking his right hip. Tia was his day shift nurse on Monday and Tuesday as he waited for his hip surgery on Tuesday afternoon.

Dad lit up each time Tia entered his room! She took the time to answer his questions, and in doing so showed her compassion for her patients, and their families.  She is always positive even when knowing the challenges he was encountering - and even during the wait for an OR and the unknowing if surgery would happen on Monday or Tuesday - and even when chatting with my sister and me - and even when a derecho storm was entering the Rockford area.

Sadly, Dad passed away while at St Anthony, and even though her shift had ended, Tia had waited for my sister and me to return to Dad's room to collect his belongings. She had written a letter to our family and chatted with us once again, showing her compassion and caring spirit. She shared a conversation she had with Dad earlier in the day that I am 100% confident brought him the reassurance and comfort he was seeking.

Our short time with Tia demonstrated the value she brings to St. Anthony and the superb care her patients will receive under her care. For all of these reasons, we are nominating her for a DAISY Award - As a new grad nurse, she is beyond deserving of this recognition!! I am confident she will have an amazing career as the caring, compassionate nurse she already is!!