It’s difficult to sum up the impact Christy Lindsay, RN, has on our team and our patients in just a few words because what she brings to our unit each and every day is so much more than excellent clinical care – it’s heart, humility, and an unwavering commitment to others.

Christy is an extraordinary PACU RN, and everyone who has worked with her knows exactly what I mean when I say she’s the kind of nurse every department dreams of. Her kindness is effortless, her willingness to help is constant, and her work ethic is second to none. Whether she’s caring for her patients, supporting the preop team, or simply checking in with others during a hectic shift, Christy shows up – fully and genuinely – for her team and for every person in her care. There is no task too small or too large for her. She routinely rounds on preop in the evenings, not because she has to, but because she cares. She checks on the staff, offers help before it’s even asked for, and often steps in without hesitation. She embodies the spirit of teamwork and patient-centered care in every interaction.

One story in particular stands out and beautifully illustrates Christy’s character and the deep impact she has on those around her. Recently, we had an add-on patient come through preop for outpatient surgery. This patient had previously spent a week on 10T awaiting surgery that was repeatedly delayed and rescheduled. The night before his surgery, he called in understandably distressed and confused, as he was no longer on the surgical schedule. The nurse he spoke to that evening didn’t just brush him off or tell him to call back – she took action. She contacted Dr. Hiffa directly, explained the situation, and advocated for the patient. Because of her efforts, the patient was added to the surgical schedule for the following day. That nurse was Christy.

Fast forward to the next day: the patient had his surgery, recovered in PACU, and then came to Phase II. While preparing for discharge, he repeatedly asked for the nurse he had spoken with the night before. He couldn’t remember her name, but he knew she had made it all possible and desperately wanted to thank her in person. He was convinced she must have worked on 10T, so we began calling the unit to try to find out who it was. That’s when Christy walked by and casually asked if we had the patient – she had seen his name on the board. As soon as she started talking, it clicked. She was the nurse he had been looking for. The look on the patient’s face when he realized who she was will stay with me for a long time. He was overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion, and at that moment, you could see how much her actions had meant to him.

Christy didn’t do it for recognition or thanks. She simply did what she always does – whatever it takes to ensure her patients feel seen, heard, and cared for. This is just one story among many. Christy is the kind of nurse who elevates everyone around her. She models excellence, compassion, and selflessness every single day. She makes our units stronger, our patients safer, and our workplace warmer.

There is no one more deserving of the DAISY Award than Christy Lindsay, RN. She doesn’t just do her job – she is the heart of nursing.

Thank you.