LTJG Pagonakis exemplifies compassion, skill, and dedication in her daily practice. She consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, demonstrating not only clinical expertise but also genuine empathy and respect.

One moment that particularly stands out involved her care of a patient brought in as a Bravo trauma. The patient was nonverbal, uncooperative, and mildly combative. Despite these challenges, LTJG Pagonakis remained calm and professional. She took the time to explain every step of care, even though the patient might not have fully understood—demonstrating her commitment to transparency and dignity.

When the patient’s family arrived, she thoroughly explained the situation and reassured them that every possible measure was being taken to care for their loved one. Notably, although the patient was incontinent and wore a brief, LTJG Pagonakis prioritized maintaining the patient's cleanliness and dignity, treating them with the utmost respect—even in the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department.

Her calm and reassuring presence had a noticeable effect, bringing a sense of peace to an otherwise chaotic situation. In the days following the encounter, a family member sought her out to personally express their deep gratitude for the compassionate and dignified care she had provided.

Another example of LTJG Pagonakis’s dedication to compassionate care occurred during a recent shift change, when we received a patient who had been in the ER all night awaiting discharge. The delay was due to the need for special transportation. Despite being told by the night shift nurse that an ambulance would eventually come, LTJG Pagonakis didn’t accept that uncertainty—she took initiative.

She personally researched every available transportation option in the area, including cab companies, ambulance services, and rideshare providers, tirelessly working to ensure the patient could get home safely. She even contacted the patient’s family to see if they could assist, but unfortunately, they were unable to help.

Refusing to let the patient fall through the cracks, she persisted until she secured a ride. While waiting, she made sure the patient was cleaned, dressed, and fed. The patient had gone hours without a meal, a basic need that is sometimes unintentionally missed in the fast-paced ER environment.

LTJG Pagonakis’s actions remind us that even in the busiest moments, our patients deserve to be treated with dignity and humanity. She goes above and beyond to ensure each person in her care feels seen, respected, and valued—not just as a patient, but as a human being.

She truly exemplifies the core values of the DAISY Award and has an extraordinary impact on the lives of her patients and their families.