These nominations highlighted Sandy’s incredible compassion, empathy, and leadership over the past 30 years. Although we cannot read all the nominations, we pulled out some excerpts to share today: 

I have had the pleasure of working with Sandy since I was just a wide-eyed and very green Patient Care Technician (or “Care Partner”, as we called it back then). I remember so many occasions when I went to Sandy for assistance because she had such a nurturing quality about her. My very early memories as an L&D team member include Sandy’s engaging conversation and education. She was so helpful to me not only as a PCT, but as I advanced in my career as a bedside clinical nurse and then a Nurse Manager.

Throughout the last decade, I have gotten to know Sandy well. She is someone who has an immense drive and passion for the care she provides to growing families on the unit. That’s probably because she understands the importance and value of family time, as I have heard countless stories about her two (adult) children, husband, and family poodle. Sandy is a phenomenal storyteller. I cannot count the number of times that I have eaten lunch beside Sandy and was absolutely entranced in the stories she told of her world travels, amazing patients, and family adventures. Sandy will truly transport you through space and time. I’ve transcended into parallel universes just by listening to Sandy describe her life.

Sandy has so much wisdom and loves to share that with her patients and fellow team members. She is meticulous and has the greatest attention to detail. Sandy is an integral part of our birthing team. She combines a love for birthing families with her ability to provide exceptional care to complex patients with multiple comorbidities. She excels at quickly forming strong relationships with her patients, their families, and her team.

Sandy is committed to providing the safest, highest quality care. She role models conflict resolution, interprofessional communication, and interdisciplinary teamwork. She champions leadership, evidence-based care, and relationship-based care at the bedside.

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I want to share a recent example where Sandy’s expertise made a difference in a patient’s outcome. A first-time mom was getting a medically indicated induction. During her labor, the patient experienced bleeding from a canker sore in her mouth, which Sandy thought was odd. Sandy advocated for additional lab work to evaluate for a clotting disorder. Because of Sandy's escalation, questioning attitude, incredible advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration (with anesthesia, obstetricians, and the rest of the nursing team), the patient was found to be in Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation or DIC prior to delivery. With this information, the team was able to intervene quickly and effectively. Overall, the patient had a positive outcome thanks to Sandy's questioning attitude and prompt escalation. 

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Sandy is the epitome of a compassionate nurse. She is hardworking, caring, kind, a patient advocate, a teacher, and mentor. Sandy is the nurse you hope takes care of you, your sister, or your loved ones.

One specific example of Sandy’s dedication to the profession of nursing is her work with nursing students. Sandy is always willing to teach an orientee or nursing student and takes the role with pride. Instead of making it an observation experience, Sandy goes beyond, making sure to leave a lasting experience for the student. Sandy takes the time to explain the care, her critical thinking and allows the student to ask as many questions as possible. Recently working with a Student, Sandy was assigned a patient who was in the early phases of labor but wanted a low intervention birth. Although this could have been considered a “slow” day, Sandy made the most of the experience and engaged the student. She explained the labor process, reviewed the different care interventions, assisted the student to understand the physiology of labor and included the student in direct care. Following this clinical experience, the student reported that she was inspired by Sandy and wants to work in L&D upon graduation. Sandy’s outlook on teaching and guiding nursing students is inspirational to her peers.

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In addition to being one of the fastest walkers on the team, Sandy is known for her warm and generous spirit. She consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, offering comfort and empathy during their most difficult moments. Sandy's emotional connection to her work is both her strength and her signature. She feels so deeply for her patients and colleagues, allowing herself to be vulnerable and fully present in every moment they get to spend with her. Sandy’s ability to empathize at such a profound level is rare and inspiring.

Even after decades of practice, Sandy remains humble and open to learning. She seeks feedback, values every team member's input, and recognizes that wisdom comes from all levels of experience. Sandy believes deeply that everyone, whether they've been in nursing for 30 years or 3, has valuable perspectives to offer, and she continually learns from those around her. 

Sandy is often the first to ask, “How can I do this better?” and when something happens that she hasn’t seen before, she doesn’t want people to just do things for her, she wants to be taught how to do it herself —a testament to her lifelong pursuit of excellence and learning.

Since the day I started working here, Sandy called me her "Pepsodent girl," referencing an old advertisement featuring a woman always smiling. What Sandy doesn’t realize is that on many days, especially when I first started, when I struggled with confidence in myself and my nursing abilities, it was her enthusiasm and joy in having me around that made me smile. Her warmth and encouragement made all the difference, even when I didn’t feel it within myself.

What we see as a profound ability to connect on such a deep emotional level with everyone around her, is not something Sandy does, but more of a reflection of who she is. Sandy’s legacy is one of kindness and that’s what makes her an exceptional candidate for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.