Areli Bazan-Villar
April 2025
Areli
Bazan-Villar
,
BSN, RN
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Winfield
,
IL
United States
Areli immediately reassured us, not just with words but through her actions. She embodied everything a nurse should be—knowledgeable, compassionate, and deeply dedicated to her patients and their families.
Our baby girl was admitted to the NICU just 24 hours after birth. My wife and I experienced a whirlwind of emotions that day—moving from the pure joy of welcoming our first child, taking newborn photos, and embracing parenthood to the overwhelming fear and sadness of seeing her connected to oxygen, feeding tubes, O₂ sensors, and a heart monitor. It’s a sight no parent is ever prepared for. The first night in the NICU was incredibly difficult—until Areli walked into our lives.
As an APRN, my wife might have higher standards for patient care than most. Meanwhile, I have no experience in a medical setting. Areli immediately reassured us, not just with words but through her actions. She embodied everything a nurse should be—knowledgeable, compassionate, and deeply dedicated to her patients and their families. While every nurse, doctor, and tech we encountered was outstanding, Areli went above and beyond.
Each night, she guided us through every step of our daughter’s care. I remember one night when she was adjusting the Philips monitor—she took the time to explain every setting, every reading, and every change she was making. She didn’t have to do that, but she did, and in doing so, she eased our fears and built our confidence. Because of her, we felt comfortable leaving our baby in the NICU each night, knowing she was in the best hands.
Areli’s bedside manner was just as exceptional as her clinical skills. Her warmth, humor, and little moments of banter lifted our spirits during an incredibly stressful time. What truly set her apart was that her kindness wasn’t just for us—whenever we returned, we saw her offering the same level of care and compassion to every baby she encountered. That’s when I knew she was a perfect fit for this nomination.
Northwestern Medicine and Central DuPage Hospital are incredibly fortunate to have Areli on staff. She represents the very best of nursing, and we believe she is a perfect example of what the DAISY Award stands for—Extraordinary Nurses who provide not just medical care, but emotional healing as well. We will forever be grateful to Areli and the entire NICU team for helping our daughter get healthy. We can’t wait to bring her back one day to show everyone the little girl they helped heal.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
As an APRN, my wife might have higher standards for patient care than most. Meanwhile, I have no experience in a medical setting. Areli immediately reassured us, not just with words but through her actions. She embodied everything a nurse should be—knowledgeable, compassionate, and deeply dedicated to her patients and their families. While every nurse, doctor, and tech we encountered was outstanding, Areli went above and beyond.
Each night, she guided us through every step of our daughter’s care. I remember one night when she was adjusting the Philips monitor—she took the time to explain every setting, every reading, and every change she was making. She didn’t have to do that, but she did, and in doing so, she eased our fears and built our confidence. Because of her, we felt comfortable leaving our baby in the NICU each night, knowing she was in the best hands.
Areli’s bedside manner was just as exceptional as her clinical skills. Her warmth, humor, and little moments of banter lifted our spirits during an incredibly stressful time. What truly set her apart was that her kindness wasn’t just for us—whenever we returned, we saw her offering the same level of care and compassion to every baby she encountered. That’s when I knew she was a perfect fit for this nomination.
Northwestern Medicine and Central DuPage Hospital are incredibly fortunate to have Areli on staff. She represents the very best of nursing, and we believe she is a perfect example of what the DAISY Award stands for—Extraordinary Nurses who provide not just medical care, but emotional healing as well. We will forever be grateful to Areli and the entire NICU team for helping our daughter get healthy. We can’t wait to bring her back one day to show everyone the little girl they helped heal.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.