November 2011
Nicole
Walkowiak
,
BSN, RN
Rehab
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Chicago
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

I would like to nominate Nicole for a DAISY award not only because her job performance exemplifies the mission, values, and philosophy of Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, but because she is an outstanding nurse and role model. I am a new graduate nurse and I called my first RRT a few weeks ago. Naturally, I was nervous and I felt unsure of myself, never having been a part of an RRT.

Nicole went above and beyond her role as charge nurse that night. She was encouraging, supportive, and demonstrated high level leadership skills while guiding me through the process. She ensured that I had all the resources and support I needed. When the RRT team was at the bedside, Nicole was an invaluable resource not only to me but to the team. She ran around the unit gathering resources and anticipating what the team may need. Nicole expressed empathy and compassion while providing comfort and reassurance to the patient. When I went down to CT with my patient, Nicole communicated with other members of the team to ensure that everyone was aware of the impending transfer. After the transfer, Nicole was helpful in answering all my questions and concerns.

Nicole’s leadership, guidance, and support made my first RRT an invaluable learning experience. Words cannot express how grateful I was to have her help and support that night. She is an excellent role model and I can’t think of any nurse more deserving of a DAISY award than Nicole.