My husband was a patient in the ICU for 10 days this past December/January. Erika was his nurse for two of those days, and her compassionate care and clinical expertise truly stood out. Despite the ICU being incredibly busy, Erika maintained a positive attitude and provided care that made us feel like we were her only focus. Her dedication and attentiveness brought us comfort during a challenging time.

On the second day of her care, my husband, who was intubated and under conscious sedation, was scheduled for an MRI. My family and I left for lunch, trusting my husband was in capable hands. Before we left, Erika made sure she had my contact information and promised to call if there were any updates. True to her word, Erika called about 45 minutes later to inform me that my husband had experienced a prolonged bradycardic and hypotensive episode, becoming unresponsive during the MRI preparation. She reassured me that he was stable, and everything was under control. Upon returning to the hospital, Erika took the time to thoroughly explain the incident to our family. She detailed how my husband became unresponsive to verbal stimuli and sternal rubs for a period of time but eventually recovered without the need for any rescue interventions.

What stood out most was Erika’s advocacy for my husband’s safety. Recognizing the risks, she recommended postponing the MRI until he was more stable. Her decision reflected her deep commitment to patient-centered care and clinical judgment, ensuring that my husband’s well-being remained the top priority. Erika’s exceptional nursing care, clear communication, and genuine compassion exemplify what it means to be an outstanding nurse. She went above and beyond not only for her patient but also for our family, easing our fears during a difficult time. She even came in to check on my husband the day before his discharge, even though he was not assigned to her. For these reasons, Erika truly deserves the DAISY Award.