Catherine Mattison, RN, CPN, CCRN Purple Unit, Day Hospital Blythedale Children's Hospital, Valhalla, New York

From a press release: "Mattison, who has worked at the hospital since 1982, was nominated for The DAISY Award by Melinda Payne, MD, a physician who admired her "consistent gentle optimism and excellent intuition" in caring for a preschool child over a two-year period. Payne witnessed Mattison patiently and professionally working with the team, giving feedback to the physicians, educating the mother, and helping the child communicate and adapt behavior. "It's great when a nurse takes on a difficult patient and creates an environment in which the child can experience success" Payne said in a news release.