Brittany Scott
February 2026
Brittany
Scott
,
RN
Oncology Clinic
University of Virginia Health
Charlottesville
,
VA
United States
The patient calls Brittany her hero and says she will never forget that her life was saved that day.
I would like to nominate Brittany Scott for the extraordinary nursing care she provided to a patient at our infusion center. The patient came in for urgent pain management and hydration while undergoing evaluation for a possible new diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
The patient was added for an infusion visit because she was in excruciating pain and severely dehydrated. As the float nurse that day, Brittany accepted the patient and immediately began problem-solving. The patient arrived in a wheelchair, unable to transfer, and required multiple attempts before an IV could be placed. From the very beginning, Brittany treated her with patience, skill, and compassion.
As she administered the ordered fluids and IV morphine, Brittany took the time to talk with the patient about her symptoms, back brace, and recent ER visit. The patient disclosed that she had been diagnosed with spinal fractures but was discharged home without spinal precautions, a brace, or physical therapy referrals. Drawing from her previous nursing experience on an orthopedic unit, Brittany immediately recognized how unsafe this was. She carefully educated the patient on spinal precautions, the importance of wearing her brace, and the urgent need for physical therapy to prevent further injury.
When the patient attempted to stand after the first and second doses of morphine, it became clear how critical her condition truly was—her pain spiked to 10/10, her leg gave out, and she was profoundly weak. As Brittany continued her assessment, the patient admitted she had essentially been bedbound at home and was avoiding eating and drinking because she did not want to burden her family for help with basic needs. Brittany also recognized the patient’s worsening creatinine, adding another layer of concern.
Even though the patient had not shared any of this with the physician, Brittany knew she had to advocate for her. She immediately notified the doctor, who was stunned by the severity of the situation and stated that the patient required emergency evaluation at UVA for comprehensive care. He later told the patient that the nurse “telling on her” may very well have saved her life. The patient agreed and expressed her deep gratitude.
Brittany remained with the patient, reassuring her, administering the final dose of morphine, helping her safely to her car, and ensuring that she got to the ER.
The patient was admitted to the hospital, where she remained for nearly 12 days before being discharged to rehab. When she returned almost a month later to start treatment, she was transformed—walking independently, eating and drinking, fitted with a proper back brace, and regaining her strength. The physician now affectionately refers to her as “Brittany’s patient” and continues to thank Brittany for getting her the help she needed. The physician recently shared that the patient is doing so well that he plans to present her at the tumor board because she may even be a transplant candidate.
The patient calls Brittany her hero and says she will never forget that her life was saved that day.
This nomination reflects not just clinical skill, but true advocacy, critical thinking, compassion, and a commitment to seeing the whole person—not just the symptoms. Brittany’s actions changed the trajectory of this patient’s life and exemplify the very heart of the DAISY Award.
The patient was added for an infusion visit because she was in excruciating pain and severely dehydrated. As the float nurse that day, Brittany accepted the patient and immediately began problem-solving. The patient arrived in a wheelchair, unable to transfer, and required multiple attempts before an IV could be placed. From the very beginning, Brittany treated her with patience, skill, and compassion.
As she administered the ordered fluids and IV morphine, Brittany took the time to talk with the patient about her symptoms, back brace, and recent ER visit. The patient disclosed that she had been diagnosed with spinal fractures but was discharged home without spinal precautions, a brace, or physical therapy referrals. Drawing from her previous nursing experience on an orthopedic unit, Brittany immediately recognized how unsafe this was. She carefully educated the patient on spinal precautions, the importance of wearing her brace, and the urgent need for physical therapy to prevent further injury.
When the patient attempted to stand after the first and second doses of morphine, it became clear how critical her condition truly was—her pain spiked to 10/10, her leg gave out, and she was profoundly weak. As Brittany continued her assessment, the patient admitted she had essentially been bedbound at home and was avoiding eating and drinking because she did not want to burden her family for help with basic needs. Brittany also recognized the patient’s worsening creatinine, adding another layer of concern.
Even though the patient had not shared any of this with the physician, Brittany knew she had to advocate for her. She immediately notified the doctor, who was stunned by the severity of the situation and stated that the patient required emergency evaluation at UVA for comprehensive care. He later told the patient that the nurse “telling on her” may very well have saved her life. The patient agreed and expressed her deep gratitude.
Brittany remained with the patient, reassuring her, administering the final dose of morphine, helping her safely to her car, and ensuring that she got to the ER.
The patient was admitted to the hospital, where she remained for nearly 12 days before being discharged to rehab. When she returned almost a month later to start treatment, she was transformed—walking independently, eating and drinking, fitted with a proper back brace, and regaining her strength. The physician now affectionately refers to her as “Brittany’s patient” and continues to thank Brittany for getting her the help she needed. The physician recently shared that the patient is doing so well that he plans to present her at the tumor board because she may even be a transplant candidate.
The patient calls Brittany her hero and says she will never forget that her life was saved that day.
This nomination reflects not just clinical skill, but true advocacy, critical thinking, compassion, and a commitment to seeing the whole person—not just the symptoms. Brittany’s actions changed the trajectory of this patient’s life and exemplify the very heart of the DAISY Award.