Abigail De La Cruz, BSN, RN

Abigail De La Cruz is an extraordinary nurse who consistently demonstrates compassion, teamwork, clinical excellence, and a true dedication to both patients and her colleagues. She is the kind of nurse everyone wants on their shift: reliable, skilled, and always willing to step up.

Abby is a tremendous resource to our unit. She is always ready to help when staff are overwhelmed. She regularly helps settle new admissions, ensuring patients and families feel supported from the moment they arrive on the floor. Her calm presence and thorough approach make chaotic situations manageable for everyone involved.

One particularly busy night stands out. We were short-staffed and had several high-acuity patients. Abby noticed I was tied up with a complex patient. Without being asked, she immediately offered to pass medications for my patients. Her willingness to jump in allowed me and the team to deliver safe, timely care without anyone feeling stretched too thin.

On another night, I was the supervisor, and Abby went above and beyond by helping a neighboring unit that was short-staffed. A rapid response was called, and she quickly went over to assist. When she arrived, she discovered their EKG machine was not working. She immediately ran back to our unit, grabbed a functioning machine, and brought it over. She then helped collect labs, supported the team during the emergency, and stayed to help settle the patient. Her quick thinking and proactive support made a real difference during a stressful situation.

Abby embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award. She doesn’t just do her own job well; she lifts up the entire team, ensures patients receive excellent care even when resources are limited, and does it all with a positive, helpful attitude. She makes our unit stronger and our patients safer.

I am truly grateful to work alongside her and believe she is more than deserving of this recognition. She is a true asset to this unit.