I am honored to nominate Joel, the charge nurse on 4NW, for the DAISY Award in recognition of the deep compassion, presence, and humanity he brings to every patient he encounters. Joel is not only a skilled nurse but someone who truly embodies what it means to care. He creates moments of connection and peace in an environment that can often feel overwhelming, especially for oncology patients and their families. Joel has a rare gift for slowing things down when everything feels rushed. During his charge nurse shifts, he makes time to sit with patients in the "Time with U" chairs, choosing to be fully present in ways that many overlook. These chairs may seem like a simple idea, but when Joel sits beside a patient, something powerful happens. He listens with his whole heart. He makes space for silence. He allows patients to share their fears, their stories, their memories, and even their grief. In those quiet moments, he reminds them that they are not alone. For patients facing cancer, this kind of presence can be more healing than any treatment.

One unforgettable example of Joel’s compassion happened during a patient’s wedding in our garden. She was at the end of her life and her final wish was to marry the love of her life. As the team prepared the ceremony, Joel offered to play piano for her. He performed her favorite love songs, each note filled with tenderness and care. His music became the voice of the moment. It wrapped around the family and staff and gave the patient a gift no one else could have provided. There were tears, but also stillness and beauty. It was as if time paused, just for her.

What makes Joel even more remarkable is that he not only brings this compassion to the bedside but also shares it with the larger nursing community. He recently gave a podium presentation at the national Oncology Nursing Society conference about the "Time with U" initiative. Joel spoke from the heart and told stories that moved people across the room. His message was clear and honest. In a world that moves fast, patients need someone who will sit with them, hear them, and just be there. He represented UCLA Health with integrity and soul. His presentation made a lasting impression and inspired nurses from across the country to carry that same level of presence into their own practice. Joel never seeks recognition. He leads through quiet action and deep empathy. He is the kind of nurse who notices when a patient needs someone to sit beside them and simply stay. He is the kind of nurse who plays music not for applause, but to give someone comfort in their final hours. He is the kind of nurse who brings meaning to the hardest moments and reminds us why we chose this profession. For his unwavering kindness, for the peace he brings to our patients, and for the light he shines in our unit and beyond, I am proud to nominate Joel for the DAISY Award.