It is with great appreciation and gratitude that I nominate Lilian Gavilan for recognition through the DAISY Award. Lilian is an Assistant Nurse Manager from 11W who regularly cross-covers 9N, and she consistently exemplifies compassionate leadership, teamwork, and extraordinary dedication to nursing excellence. Lilian approaches every opportunity to support 9N with kindness, professionalism, and a servant-leadership mindset. Despite the challenges that can come with cross-covering another unit, she never complains and always ensures both her home unit and 9N are well supported. Her calm presence, positive attitude, and willingness to help create a supportive environment not only for staff, but ultimately for the patients we serve.

What stands out most about Lilian is the genuine compassion and respect she shows to others. She consistently provides thoughtful and thorough handoff communication to my leadership team, ensuring continuity of leadership support and safe patient care operations. Her reliability and accountability bring reassurance to the staff and contribute to a culture of collaboration and trust. Lilian's impact goes far beyond daily operations. Recently, one of our travel nurses shared with me that she plans to name her baby after Lilian because of the kindness, encouragement, and support Lilian showed her during her time on 9N. To me, this is a powerful reflection of the meaningful connections Lilian creates and the lasting impact she has on those around her.

Lilian embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award through her compassion, dedication, leadership, and commitment to creating a positive experience for both staff and patients. She leads with heart, uplifts those around her, and represents the very best of nursing leadership. 9N is incredibly grateful for Lilian and the partnership she continues to provide to our team. It is an honor to nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.