I am honored to nominate Macy Walquist for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is the kind of manager every employee dreams of having. Macy leads passionately, both in the traditional and nontraditional senses. Traditionally, she encourages the team to improve every day and clearly and kindly coaches employees when needed. She provides appropriate feedback, shuts down negative culture, and provides staff with the tools, skills, and confidence to care for our pediatric population. She celebrates staff accomplishments and is the first person to write a celebration on the huddle board. And when it feels like the unit is on fire and staff are passing along the metaphorical water brigade, Macy is there, driving the firetruck and ready to help
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In the less traditional sense, Macy leads by example. She is guided by kindness, a deep desire to understand, and is a role model to us all. She’s not showy in her leadership, yet she inspires others to be a little bit better every day. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear at the nurses’ stations, “If we could all be a little bit more like Macy each day, the world would be a better place”. Having that kind of person leading a team is invaluable to the culture MU strives to build for our patients and our staff.
Macy cares deeply for her employees. When she makes her frequent rounds of the unit and asks “how are you?”, she really means it. She’s always approachable and quick to sit down with staff or families to lend a listening ear, offer solutions, or refer to available resources. She empowers the people around her, both in their professional lives and in their personal lives. Outside of work, Macy also coaches a girls' basketball team and volunteers at a summer camp for children with special needs. Her heart is for others, and that shows every day.

Macy is a role model for all of us, continuously demonstrating that compassionate leadership leads to the best outcomes—for both staff and patients. She encourages the team to continually improve, and her unwavering belief in each individual's potential has led to greater engagement. Her ability to lead by example has created a ripple effect, positively impacting everyone who has the joy of working with her. Under her guidance, we are not only better nurses but better individuals who care deeply about the well-being of our patients. Macy understands that exceptional patient care begins with a supported and empowered team.

For her exceptional leadership, commitment to staff development, and consistent display of kindness, I am proud to nominate Macy for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.