Our newborn was admitted to the NICU at Duke University Hospital right after birth, and as nervous parents with another child at home, this was a scary and dark time. We have been amazed by the care our daughter has received at Duke’s NICU, but one nurse has absolutely gone above and beyond with her care, and we believe she has made all the difference with our daughter now transitioning to arrive home in a few days.

Brandy truly encapsulates what it means to be a nurse. From the very beginning, she put us at ease with her confidence, knowledge, and kindness. Our daughter started out on a feeding tube because she wasn’t meeting her daily feeding intake. Within 48 hours under Brandy’s care, not only was our daughter off the feeding tube, but she had increased her intake about 3-4 times the original amount.

Not only that, but she then taught us how to feed her in the best way for growth, patiently coaching us with practical tips and so much good advice. She also suggested we bring clothes to dress our daughter, helped my wife breastfeed in a way that was best for our baby, and provided so much encouragement to us throughout this time. The difference we saw in Brandy compared to others is that Brandy genuinely loves these babies as if they were her own.

It is one thing to be good at what you do, but to be exceptional at your profession and also so compassionate at the same time is rare. Brandy currently wears a white daisy on her nametag from a previous DAISY Award nomination, but this time, we believe she deserves this honor.