In a moment when many may have walked into the room expecting a difficult shift, Deborah walked in with compassion, patience, and a deep commitment to truly caring for her patient. Faced with a woman in excruciating, unmanaged pain who had been labeled as “mean” by previous staff, Deborah chose empathy over judgment. She took the time to sit beside her, hold her hand, explain the medication plan, and advocate for a layered approach to pain management — ultimately bringing the patient comfort and peace after hours of suffering. Deborah didn’t just care for the patient — she cared for her husband, too. By offering him a space to rest, keeping him informed, and treating his wife with dignity and gentleness, she helped ease two people through one of their hardest days. Days later, the husband returned, still emotional, just to say thank you. This story is a beautiful example of what nursing is truly about: presence, advocacy, and healing beyond medications. It's the kind of care that sticks with a family forever. This nurse made a difference — not just in a shift, but in a life. That is DAISY Award-worthy.

Note: This is Deborah's 2nd DAISY Award!