It is with great admiration and genuine respect that I write this letter in support of Desarae Victor, our exceptional charge nurse, for recognition as an outstanding performer and a worthy nominee of the DAISY Award. Desarae is more than just a colleague; she is a pillar of strength, leadership, and compassion in one of the most challenging professions in the world: nursing. Working alongside Desarae, I can say with full confidence that when she is leading the team, the day is already off to a great start.

Nursing is often filled with unpredictable moments, emotional exhaustion, and physical demands. However, Desarae brings a calm, grounding energy to the unit. She makes the toughest days bearable, and even inspiring. Her leadership creates a culture of safety, encouragement, and teamwork, allowing each nurse to perform at their highest capacity while feeling supported and respected. Desarae’s impact cannot be summed up by a single heroic act or dramatic moment, rather, it is the consistent, quiet excellence she brings to every shift that defines her. Her influence is cumulative: it’s in the way she listens, the way she leads, and the way she shows up, day after day, for her team and her patients.
         
This is what makes her stand out as a true DAISY Nurse Leader. It's not about one moment of greatness, but a career built on integrity, compassion, and resilience. What truly sets Desarae apart are her core characteristics that define what it means to be a DAISY Nurse:
    
Clinical Excellence: She is meticulous and proactive in her approach to patient care, ensuring every detail is attended to with skill and accuracy. Her critical thinking and quick response have de-escalated countless complex situations with grace and competence.
    
Advocacy: Desarae is a fierce advocate not only for our patients but also for her fellow nurses. She consistently champions fairness, safety, and ethical practices, creating a space where all voices are heard and valued. She leads by example and inspires those around her to rise to the same standard.
    
Emotional Intelligence: Her empathy, humility, and insight into others' emotional needs make her a trusted listener and an essential source of support. Whether it’s a nurse having a difficult shift or a family in distress, Desarae responds with heart, not just protocol.
    
Mentorship and Team Building: Desarae is not only a leader but a mentor. She nurtures the growth of newer nurses with patience, wisdom, and unwavering encouragement. Her ability to build a cohesive and motivated team is one of her greatest strengths, and it shows in the respect and admiration she receives from staff across the board. 
    
Embodiment of the Kaiser Permanente Vision: Desarae does all this while upholding and advancing the mission of Kaiser Permanente, delivering high-quality, affordable care and improving the health of our members and communities. She doesn't just talk about the mission; she lives it through her daily actions. 
    
There are many nurses who are good at what they do. But nurses like Desarae, who lead with integrity, advocate with conviction, and uplift those around them while still delivering excellent care, are rare. She is the kind of nurse we all hope to work with, and the kind of leader who makes the impossible feel possible. It is for these reasons and many more that I wholeheartedly nominate Desarae Victor for recognition as a DAISY Award Honoree. She is not just a remarkable charge nurse; she is a beacon of what nursing leadership should look like.

Note: this is Desarae's 2nd DAISY Award!