Samantha A MacLeod
June 2026
Samantha A
MacLeod
,
BSN, RN, CCRN, CAPA
Lahey Clinic
Burlington
,
MA
United States
Because of Sam's quick actions and pursuit, the patient was able to return home later that evening for the funeral of her 59-year-old uncle, who had suddenly passed the week before.
On behalf of Ambulatory Surgery Peabody, we are honored to nominate Sam MacLeod, RN, for the DAISY Award, which recognizes nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate, patient-centered care. Sam exemplifies this every day. Providing care that is not only clinically excellent but also deeply caring. Patients consistently experience Sam as insightful, energetic, and highly skilled-bringing sharp clinical judgment and an engaged, attentive presence to every aspect of her care. Sam anticipates patients' needs before they are spoken, advocates for patient safety, and creates an environment where patients and families feel supported and respected as individuals, not just patients.
One example of Sam's exceptional care involved a 40-year-old patient who needed surgery after falling down a flight of stairs on Easter Sunday, sustaining fractures to her neck and wrist. Following her procedure, the patient recovered in the PACU in Peabody. While reviewing discharge instructions with the patient and her mother, they confirmed that the cervical collar was to remain in place continuously for 6 weeks. Drawing on her clinical experience, Sam recognized this plan might not align with typical practice due to the risk of skin breakdown. She took the initiative to clarify the instructions to ensure the safest plan of care. When the original discharge paperwork was not readily available, Sam collaborated with multiple teams, including neurology, ICU, and the emergency department, to confirm the appropriate guidance.
Through this thorough follow-up, she verified that continuous use of the collar was not required and provided clear, patient-centered education on proper cervical collar care. Sam's dedication and attention to detail exemplify her commitment to safe, high-quality nursing care. The patient and her family expressed deep appreciation for the coordinated care and support they received across departments while here at Lahey. Because of Sam's quick actions and pursuit, the patient was able to return home later that evening for the funeral of her 59-year-old uncle, who had suddenly passed the week before.
As the patient was leaving, her mother gave Sam a hug and said, "My brother sent an angel to watch over us today". As nurses, we want everyone's experience to be positive; Sam's nursing practice exemplifies the compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication that make a meaningful difference on our unit and in the lives of those we serve. Sam truly represents the spirit of the DAISY Award, and that is why I am nominating her for this deserving award.
One example of Sam's exceptional care involved a 40-year-old patient who needed surgery after falling down a flight of stairs on Easter Sunday, sustaining fractures to her neck and wrist. Following her procedure, the patient recovered in the PACU in Peabody. While reviewing discharge instructions with the patient and her mother, they confirmed that the cervical collar was to remain in place continuously for 6 weeks. Drawing on her clinical experience, Sam recognized this plan might not align with typical practice due to the risk of skin breakdown. She took the initiative to clarify the instructions to ensure the safest plan of care. When the original discharge paperwork was not readily available, Sam collaborated with multiple teams, including neurology, ICU, and the emergency department, to confirm the appropriate guidance.
Through this thorough follow-up, she verified that continuous use of the collar was not required and provided clear, patient-centered education on proper cervical collar care. Sam's dedication and attention to detail exemplify her commitment to safe, high-quality nursing care. The patient and her family expressed deep appreciation for the coordinated care and support they received across departments while here at Lahey. Because of Sam's quick actions and pursuit, the patient was able to return home later that evening for the funeral of her 59-year-old uncle, who had suddenly passed the week before.
As the patient was leaving, her mother gave Sam a hug and said, "My brother sent an angel to watch over us today". As nurses, we want everyone's experience to be positive; Sam's nursing practice exemplifies the compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication that make a meaningful difference on our unit and in the lives of those we serve. Sam truly represents the spirit of the DAISY Award, and that is why I am nominating her for this deserving award.