As our nurse educator, Kayla consistently goes above and beyond to support, mentor, and uplift staff. Kayla is always approachable, patient, and genuinely invested in our growth, both professionally and personally. Whether guiding a new nurse through a challenging skill, offering encouragement during a difficult shift, or creating engaging educational opportunities, Kayla leads with kindness and empathy.

What truly sets Kayla apart is her ability to make every staff member feel valued and heard. She actively seeks out ways to engage the team, encourage questions, and foster a culture of learning without judgment. Kayla’s enthusiasm for education is contagious, and her commitment to excellence inspires us to continually improve our practice.

We are honored to nominate Kayla for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary impact she has made in her role as Nurse Educator. Since stepping into this position, Kayla has fostered a welcoming, supportive, and engaging learning environment that has helped give staff knowledge and confidence. In a remarkably short amount of time, she has implemented meaningful initiatives that have strengthened both clinical competence and team collaboration.

Kayla initiated quarterly “Train and Maintain” education sessions to ensure staff remain confident and current in essential skills. She has organized SIMS experiences that provide hands-on, realistic learning opportunities, allowing nurses to build confidence in a safe and supportive setting. Recognizing the importance of nurturing new graduates, she even developed her own nurse residency program, a structured and thoughtful approach that fosters growth, confidence, and professional development for our newest nurses.

Kayla embodies lifelong learning and consistently models this value for staff. Her commitment to her own professional development – and to the growth of others – was clearly demonstrated through her instrumental role in creating the PEAKS program. Through her hard work, dedication, and vision, she has established a meaningful growth and professional development opportunity for all staff at Iowa Specialty Hospital.

Beyond education, Kayla has demonstrated visionary leadership by implementing a Nurse Practice Council aimed at improving interdepartmental collaboration and empowering frontline staff with a voice in practice decisions. Her commitment to inclusion has strengthened our team culture and improved communication across departments.

What makes Kayla truly exceptional is not just what she has accomplished, but how she accomplishes it — with compassion, enthusiasm, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every nurse she supports. The progress she has driven in such a short time is truly remarkable, and her dedication embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award.

Because of Kayla, we are more confident, more connected, and better equipped to provide exceptional patient care.