Mary B Williams
October 2025
Mary B
Williams
,
BSN, RN, CPN
Texas Children's Hospital
Houston
,
TX
United States
Mary not only promotes patient safety, but her diligent and thorough assessments have, on numerous occasions, prevented serious harm.
With more than 33 years of nursing experience, Mary is one of the most experienced nurses on our unit, which cares for a diverse patient population, including complex care, GI, neuro, and behavioral patients.
She is a respected Resource RN, preceptor, and valued team member. Her knowledge base is vast, which gives her the confidence and expertise to lead in crisis situations. Most important is her advocacy for patient safety and her quick response to emerging situations, which have prevented serious patient harm.
Although there are countless examples, the following two events substantiate her empathy and care, as well as her exceptional nursing skills.
Mary received a 13-year-old patient from the EC with a history of short gut syndrome who had vancomycin infusing. During her admission assessment, Mary identified anaphylaxis characterized by shortness of breath and the onset of hives. She immediately stopped the infusion, notified the provider, called an RRT, and retrieved an Epi Kit. Mary quickly administered IM epinephrine and placed the patient on a cardiac monitor and pulse oximetry. All safety protocols were put in place, including oxygen and an Ambu bag.
From the onset of the crisis until the patient was stabilized, Mary continually updated the patient's mother, providing education and reassurance. The mother was frantic, not only because of the medical crisis, but also because it occurred just after admission, leaving no time to build rapport with the bedside nurse or the unit. It was later discovered that the patient had a history of anaphylaxis with another medication that had previously required CPR. This prior event compounded the anxiety of both the patient and her mother despite the dire situation.
Because of Mary's actions, the patient stabilized, mitigating a life-threatening event and a potential transfer to the ICU. The parent was incredibly appreciative, not only of the outcome but also of the compassionate care and education she and her daughter received.
The second example involved a patient admitted for dehydration who had been cleared for discharge pending confirmation of increased oral intake. The frontline physician was waiting for an intake and output update. Mary noticed that the patient seemed delayed in his responses and had an altered mental status. After conferring with the parents, who confirmed her assessment, Mary escalated the situation to the attending physician.
Once again, she established trust with the parents through her empathy, expertise, compassionate care, and exceptional communication skills. A STAT CT scan was ordered, which confirmed encephalitis, and the patient was transferred to the neurology team. His admission was extended another two weeks. Had the patient been discharged home, it could have resulted in a serious sentinel event.
Mary not only promotes patient safety, but her diligent and thorough assessments have, on numerous occasions, prevented serious harm. In each of these examples, she cared not only for the patient but also for the family.
Her clinical skill and compassionate care exemplify the qualities the DAISY Award seeks to recognize. Mary is most deserving of this award, and we are honored to nominate her.
She is a respected Resource RN, preceptor, and valued team member. Her knowledge base is vast, which gives her the confidence and expertise to lead in crisis situations. Most important is her advocacy for patient safety and her quick response to emerging situations, which have prevented serious patient harm.
Although there are countless examples, the following two events substantiate her empathy and care, as well as her exceptional nursing skills.
Mary received a 13-year-old patient from the EC with a history of short gut syndrome who had vancomycin infusing. During her admission assessment, Mary identified anaphylaxis characterized by shortness of breath and the onset of hives. She immediately stopped the infusion, notified the provider, called an RRT, and retrieved an Epi Kit. Mary quickly administered IM epinephrine and placed the patient on a cardiac monitor and pulse oximetry. All safety protocols were put in place, including oxygen and an Ambu bag.
From the onset of the crisis until the patient was stabilized, Mary continually updated the patient's mother, providing education and reassurance. The mother was frantic, not only because of the medical crisis, but also because it occurred just after admission, leaving no time to build rapport with the bedside nurse or the unit. It was later discovered that the patient had a history of anaphylaxis with another medication that had previously required CPR. This prior event compounded the anxiety of both the patient and her mother despite the dire situation.
Because of Mary's actions, the patient stabilized, mitigating a life-threatening event and a potential transfer to the ICU. The parent was incredibly appreciative, not only of the outcome but also of the compassionate care and education she and her daughter received.
The second example involved a patient admitted for dehydration who had been cleared for discharge pending confirmation of increased oral intake. The frontline physician was waiting for an intake and output update. Mary noticed that the patient seemed delayed in his responses and had an altered mental status. After conferring with the parents, who confirmed her assessment, Mary escalated the situation to the attending physician.
Once again, she established trust with the parents through her empathy, expertise, compassionate care, and exceptional communication skills. A STAT CT scan was ordered, which confirmed encephalitis, and the patient was transferred to the neurology team. His admission was extended another two weeks. Had the patient been discharged home, it could have resulted in a serious sentinel event.
Mary not only promotes patient safety, but her diligent and thorough assessments have, on numerous occasions, prevented serious harm. In each of these examples, she cared not only for the patient but also for the family.
Her clinical skill and compassionate care exemplify the qualities the DAISY Award seeks to recognize. Mary is most deserving of this award, and we are honored to nominate her.