I am honored to nominate Katie Varela for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional advocacy and lifesaving care for one of our patients. On one particular shift, she displayed a level of clinical judgment and dedication that went above and beyond to ensure a positive outcome for a patient in critical condition.

The patient had been experiencing tachypnea and tachycardia for several hours. Despite initial assessments, his condition was worsening, and his vital signs continued to deteriorate. This nurse, however, refused to settle for an incomplete picture and immediately took action. Recognizing the severity of the patient's symptoms and the potential for a life-threatening situation, she advocated tirelessly on his behalf.

She contacted three different physicians, providing detailed updates and advocating for imaging and further diagnostic measures to better understand the underlying issue. Her persistence and critical thinking ultimately led to the decision to pursue the necessary imaging, which revealed a life-threatening condition that required immediate intervention. Thanks to her advocacy and her ability to work collaboratively with the medical team, the patient was promptly given the procedure that saved his life.

Throughout the process, she remained calm, focused, and compassionate, always keeping the patient's best interests at the forefront of her care. Her ability to connect with both the patient and the multidisciplinary team was invaluable, and it is clear that her actions made all the difference in this patient's outcome.

Her dedication to patient safety, her unwavering commitment to her role as an advocate, and her exceptional clinical skills truly exemplify the spirit of the DAISY Award. She is a true hero in the nursing profession, and we are fortunate to have her as part of our team.