From the very beginning of my orientation, Sarah created an environment where I felt both supported and challenged to grow. Her approach combines patience, thorough teaching, and a willingness to step back at the right moments to help me develop independence. What stands out most is her intentionality in teaching. Whenever uncommon skills or rare clinical situations arise, she ensures I am present and actively engaged so I can gain hands-on experience for future practice.

Sarah also advocates for me when needed, which has made me feel respected and valued as a new nurse. After high-acuity or high-stress patient encounters, she took extra time to debrief with me—providing detailed feedback on what I did well and offering constructive suggestions on what I can improve. These conversations not only strengthen my clinical skills but also build my confidence in caring for patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. Sarah exemplifies the qualities of a DAISY Nurse: clinical excellence, compassion, advocacy, and a true commitment to mentoring the next generation of nurses.

I am deeply grateful to have been paired with Sarah during my orientation, and she has a positive impact on both her colleagues and the patients we serve.