I am honored to nominate Grace Renderos, RN, our charge nurse at the new Enterprise site, for The DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication, compassion, and leadership in our ambulatory division.
Over the years, Grace has consistently distinguished herself as someone who goes above and beyond, not just in her nursing duties but also in how she influences and uplifts the entire team. Some of the reasons I believe she is truly deserving include:
-Always present, always engaged. Grace doesn’t wait to be asked—she steps in, offers help, discusses challenges, and supports her peers. She maintains open lines of communication so no one feels isolated or unheard.
-A warm presence. You will often see her with a flower in her hair or stylish earrings—not for show, but as a reflection of her character: she brings life, lightness, and positivity into the workplace, even on difficult days.
-Mentoring and advocacy. She takes the time to coach newer staff, ensuring they understand protocols, feel comfortable asking questions, and are able to grow professionally. She advocates for resources, clarity, and support so the team can deliver the highest quality of care.
-Patient- and staff-centered. Grace is always aware of both the needs of patients and the well-being of staff. She balances clinical excellence with empathy, ensuring staff are supported as they care for others.
-Consistency over time. She has been with us at UMC for many years, and through that time, she has maintained the same high standard of care, integrity, and compassion.

Grace is not only an outstanding nurse operationally, but she also embodies the kind of compassion, leadership, and commitment that The DAISY Award seeks to recognize. It would be a privilege for her to receive this honor, and I am confident her story will inspire others.