Alexis Wensmann, BSN, RN, PHN

We are honored to recognize Alexis W, a nurse in the Cardiac ICU at Masonic Children's Hospital, for the extraordinary compassion, creativity, and intuitive care she provided to our child.

My son is deaf and lives with anxiety, intellectual disabilities, and Pulmonary Hypertension, a condition that can require intense medical interventions, especially during respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. When he was extubated, he was understandably frightened and overwhelmed. At one point, it had taken six people simply to hold him down so he would not harm himself or others.

Alexis immediately recognized that restraint was not what he needed. Instead, she responded with calm confidence and a deep understanding of who my son is as a person, not just a patient.

Alexis intuitively knew that sensory comfort would help regulate him. She gently massaged his back, used scented oils, and placed a phone on his back playing calming music so he could feel the beat. Because he is deaf, she understood that feeling rhythm could help soothe him, and it worked. Almost instantly, he calmed. What could have remained a traumatic moment became one of safety, dignity, and trust because of her care.

We have been to Masonic Children's Hospital many times and have consistently been met with kindness, compassion, and support. However, Alexis went above and beyond anything we have ever experienced. Her actions demonstrated not only exceptional clinical skill in a high-acuity situation, but also profound empathy, creativity, and respect for a vulnerable child. She saw my son for who he is and met him exactly where he needed to be met.

Alexis truly embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for, and we are deeply grateful for the care she provided during one of the most difficult moments our family has faced.