I would like to nominate Cierra Kuhn for the DAISY Award because of the incredible care, compassion, and humanity she showed my husband and me during one of the hardest moments of our lives.

My husband has struggled with alcoholism for many years, and it has taken a toll on his health and, at times, on our family. Recently, he was transferred to OSU East, more than two hours from our home, for liver failure. We were both frightened, overwhelmed, and uncertain of what the future might hold. Cierra took care of us twice during our stay. The very first day we met her, she came into the room at the beginning of her shift, all smiles, and introduced herself as our nurse. This might not mean much to some people, but to us, it gave us a sense of comfort. This is the first and only time we had someone come in smiling like that, someone who wanted to be there. On the second day that Cierra was caring for him, we received the devastating news of a possible colon cancer diagnosis.

From the very beginning, Cierra made us feel like we were not alone. She didn’t see my husband as just “an alcoholic” or just another patient—she saw him as a person, worthy of dignity, compassion, and respect. She spoke to him kindly, listened without judgment, and treated him with the same tenderness she would give her own loved one. That meant more than I can ever put into words. I remember the day we called her in because he felt the medications they were giving him for withdrawal were not working anymore. She came in very calm and respectful and explained the way the taper worked. She explained she couldn’t give him any extra doses but would be willing to try to get him something for anxiety. She even went as far as explaining how the alcohol team at the hospital could help with medications for cravings and such. We had already spoken to that team, but they were so overwhelmed that we couldn’t remember what we talked about. She returned to the chart, stood with us, and explained everything we had discussed. We mistakenly refused medications, and she reached out to that team, knowing they were gone for the day, but wanted to make sure they came to see him the next day.

She explained everything to them, so the next day the Dr came alone. She wasn’t there that day but still made sure we were taken care of. There are so many things I could say, but words would never be enough.

When we received the diagnosis from his scope, she explained everything patiently, making sure we understood what was happening, and gave us both space to ask questions and express fears. She cared not only for his physical needs but also for his emotional well-being, and she extended that same care to me. She noticed when I was struggling and took the time to check in with me, reassuring me when I felt helpless and offering comfort when I didn’t even realize how much I needed it. She noticed that I was going downstairs and buying him food, as he didn’t like the meals being served. She brought me a tablet to help order his meals to save me some money. This was such a blessing and would have helped the prior days.

Being so far from home, I was afraid we would feel isolated and lost, but instead, because of Cierra, we felt supported, respected, and cared for. In the midst of fear and uncertainty, she gave us peace, strength, and hope.

Her kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to my husband’s care truly embody what nursing is all about. She reminded us that even in the hardest times, there are people who will stand beside you with open hearts, no matter the life decisions that brought you to them.