Erin is an exceptional role model and mentor for professional nursing, and I was so fortunate to have her as a preceptor twice during my BS program. Erin maintains the highest standards when working with patients and colleagues. She always takes the time to do her job right, even if it means putting her own schedule behind. On multiple occasions, I witnessed Erin educating patients on how to manage and respond to their medical emergencies in a way that was understandable and respectful. She has a gift for communicating professionally and succinctly. I witnessed Erin establish a rapport with providers and patients in very tense circumstances. Erin served as a valuable resource to her coworkers when questions arose about protocol or clinical situations. And best of all, Erin consistently encouraged and reassured everyone she interacted with that they were doing a great job and she was happy to help in any way she could.

When I presented Erin with my Community Health and Capstone project requirements, she enthusiastically began sharing ideas, thoughts, and topics she's encountered in her own nursing practice. Erin would help me with framing my research questions, so I was able to find the most robust results and research data. Every time I returned to complete my practicum hours, Erin would excitedly ask me about my progress and spend time listening to my thoughts. Erin made the learning process fun and exciting. After each practicum experience, I always left feeling motivated to learn and like I was making a positive difference for my patients. Erin is excited about growing in her role as a nurse, and her excitement is infectious.

Erin was generous with the time and attention she gave me during each practicum experience, despite how busy her schedule would be. She always made time to check in on my coursework progress and offer me her feedback. Erin would even go the extra mile of sending me project advice via email and text. She was a huge support and resource to me throughout both clinical experiences and projects!

Erin is compassionate, invested, knowledgeable, understanding, straightforward, honest, skilled, patient, supportive, enthusiastic, and reflective. She motivates me to never stop learning and to do my best regardless of obstacles. Erin holds very high standards for herself, and it influences those around her to do their best. I am a better nurse and person because of the time I was able to spend learning from Erin.

Erin is open and accepting of all people. I witnessed multiple instances of Erin showing respect and compassion to patients who had been written off as a "frequent flyer", "crazy", or "drug-seeker". She gave them time, attention, and empathy. It was no different as a student. Erin lives by the golden rule of treating others the way she would want to be treated.

Erin is highly skilled in her ability to communicate professionally and succinctly. I marveled at how easily Erin could simplify very complex problems, without losing any critical details, when facilitating communication between providers and patients. Erin was able to navigate conversations with abrasive patients and providers without compromising her professionalism. By the end of every call, the person on the other end would be thanking Erin for her assistance, no matter how the call started.

Erin develops collaborative working relationships with students and colleagues by being genuinely interested in other people's well-being. Simply put, Erin cares about people and is invested in seeing others succeed.

Erin excels in all the areas discussed above. She is consistently motivated to bring the best possible care and service to her patients and co-workers. Erin practices nursing with the highest level of integrity, compassion, and skill. Erin's level of knowledge, clinical skill, and professionalism can only be outmatched by her heart. She is an exceptional nursing role model. She is someone I look up to not just as a nurse, but as a person.

Note: This is Erin's 2nd DAISY Award!