I am writing to formally nominate four extraordinary nurses from the Hospice Unit at the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital. My grandfather, Robert (Bob) Donovan, was a patient there for the final two weeks of his life, and the care provided by the nursing staff was nothing short of exceptional, truly next level. I share this nomination not only as a deeply grateful granddaughter, but also as a fellow nurse and former co-chair of the DAISY Committee at Massachusetts General Hospital. I have seen excellence in nursing, I understand the spirit of this award, and I can say without hesitation that these nurses are profoundly deserving of this recognition.

Those who knew my grandfather understood how close we were, very protective of one another. I always kept a watchful eye, yet in this setting, I felt safe stepping away. At times, I wasn’t even sure who his primary nurse was, because every nurse answered his call bell instantly. His needs were anticipated, known, and met without hesitation. Whatever we needed, at the drop of a hat, was done with grace and compassion. Hospice care can feel heavy, even depressing at times, but these nurses brought sunshine into every room. They celebrated the little victories, sat quietly with him when words weren’t needed, joked with him, danced, surprised him, and honored who he was beyond his illness. They understood that it is a privilege to serve those who have served us, and they carried that belief into every interaction.

When my grandfather declined this past Friday evening, the nurses were visibly upset because they truly cared. They never once gave up on him at the end of life. Their mental resilience, integrity, and commitment were evident in the way they continued to advocate fiercely, ensuring dignity, comfort, and respect through his final moments. They arranged an honorable ceremony, contacted the priest without delay, and treated it not as a task, but as a sacred responsibility. Although at the time my heart was breaking as my grandfather was leaving this earth, it was, in every sense, a pleasure to witness their dedication to him. These nurses went above and beyond. They were dedicated, supportive, and inspiring, acting as both advocates and colleagues to our family during an incredibly vulnerable time. Their care ignited extraordinary compassion, promoted well-being and resilience, and left a lasting impact on all of us. When we couldn’t be there, we knew he was safe. That peace is invaluable. I offer my profound gratitude to these nurses for exemplifying the very best of our profession. Their excellence reflects the core values of nursing: integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence. Their impact will stay with our family forever.