April 2026
Annika
Angerman
,
RN
P4C
MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Portland
Portland
,
ME
United States
Annika’s presence brought calm in an emotionally devastating time. She is a nurse who not only delivers exceptional clinical care but also leads by example, serving as a role model for empathy, humanity, and heart-centred nursing.
I am honored to nominate Annika for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence, and dignity she provided to my grandmother, and our family during her final days.
My grandmother was in the hospital for over two weeks as she was slowly dying. Although she spent only a few days on the P4 unit, it was immediately clear that Annika demonstrated a level of care that stood far above the more than 30 nurses and staff we encountered during our time at MMC.
Annika has an innate ability to provide gentle, calm, and comforting care. She seemed to intuitively know when to offer guidance and support, and when to give our family space to make our own decisions. Her organization and methodical, steady presence made the environment feel peaceful every time she was in the room.
Annika exemplified “excellence always” through both her compassionate approach and her clinical attentiveness. She made sure to be present during conversations with physicians so she could fully understand our concerns, advocate for my grandmother, and ensure continuity in her care.
We felt her dedication through every interaction, through her kindness, her reassuring smile, and the respect she showed to my grandmother, even when she was unconscious.
One moment that will stay with me forever occurred while Annika was helping bathe my grandmother. We had seen many different staff members assist with bathing over the course of her stay, so we understood what was typically done.
As Annika washed my grandmother’s hair, she noticed the smallest movement, my grandmother’s eyebrows lifting slightly each time Annika gently massaged her scalp. Recognizing this tiny sign of comfort, Annika paused, stayed at her bedside, and took extra time to give her a soft, soothing scalp massage.
It was a small act on the surface, but it reflected profound compassion, attentiveness, and respect for my grandmother’s dignity and comfort in her final days. These thoughtful, above-and-beyond gestures made all the difference to our family.
Annika’s presence brought calm in an emotionally devastating time. She is a nurse who not only delivers exceptional clinical care but also leads by example, serving as a role model for empathy, humanity, and heart-centred nursing.
It is clear that Annika is truly meant to be a nurse. My family is eternally grateful for the care she provided to my grandmother and to us.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Annika.
My grandmother was in the hospital for over two weeks as she was slowly dying. Although she spent only a few days on the P4 unit, it was immediately clear that Annika demonstrated a level of care that stood far above the more than 30 nurses and staff we encountered during our time at MMC.
Annika has an innate ability to provide gentle, calm, and comforting care. She seemed to intuitively know when to offer guidance and support, and when to give our family space to make our own decisions. Her organization and methodical, steady presence made the environment feel peaceful every time she was in the room.
Annika exemplified “excellence always” through both her compassionate approach and her clinical attentiveness. She made sure to be present during conversations with physicians so she could fully understand our concerns, advocate for my grandmother, and ensure continuity in her care.
We felt her dedication through every interaction, through her kindness, her reassuring smile, and the respect she showed to my grandmother, even when she was unconscious.
One moment that will stay with me forever occurred while Annika was helping bathe my grandmother. We had seen many different staff members assist with bathing over the course of her stay, so we understood what was typically done.
As Annika washed my grandmother’s hair, she noticed the smallest movement, my grandmother’s eyebrows lifting slightly each time Annika gently massaged her scalp. Recognizing this tiny sign of comfort, Annika paused, stayed at her bedside, and took extra time to give her a soft, soothing scalp massage.
It was a small act on the surface, but it reflected profound compassion, attentiveness, and respect for my grandmother’s dignity and comfort in her final days. These thoughtful, above-and-beyond gestures made all the difference to our family.
Annika’s presence brought calm in an emotionally devastating time. She is a nurse who not only delivers exceptional clinical care but also leads by example, serving as a role model for empathy, humanity, and heart-centred nursing.
It is clear that Annika is truly meant to be a nurse. My family is eternally grateful for the care she provided to my grandmother and to us.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Annika.