Hannah embodies the values of servant leadership. She leads by example and cares deeply about supporting the needs of others. Witnessing the servant leadership of her parents and grandparents inspired Hannah to pursue nursing. She shares that at the cost of their time, money, and comfort, they fed people, helped them find jobs, went on walks, did yard work, assisted with paperwork, and invited anyone into their homes.

Hannah comes from a long line of nurses: Her mother, grandmother, and grandfather are all in the profession, and she brings the compassion they modeled into her work with patients. Hannah believes that when you physically care for people, they begin to trust you, and since they find that they can trust you to care for their body, they trust you with their mind and heart.

The kindness Hannah shows her patients has had a profound impact. One patient asked for her opinion about whether he should have the surgery that a doctor recommended. When Hannah told him she was just a student, he replied, “But you care.” Ultimately, she was able to help the patient understand his treatment options so he could make an informed decision on his own, and the surgery was successful.

Even when patients are challenging, Hannah treats them with kindness. She has helped patients being investigated by Child Protective Services, assisted with end-of-life care in a hospice rotation, and supported grieving families. Hannah says that she tries to provide the service they need with the joy they need so that they have the opportunity to develop the trust that is needed to work together for their health.

Hannah is thankful that the DAISY Award recognizes care and compassion. Hannah feels that compassion is needed to build trust for patients. There are so many nurses who demonstrate this daily. She is honored to represent one of many in a profession devoted to physical care and compassion.