Cara Deines, RN

I nominate my primary nurse, Cara Deines, for the DAISY Award because she embodies what nursing should be. During one of the most frightening and vulnerable times of my life, Cara provided not only exceptional care to my son, E, but also compassion, reassurance, and unwavering support to our entire family. E was born unexpectedly at 28 weeks after what I now know was a cryptic pregnancy. The delivery was spontaneous and traumatic, and my partner and I were suddenly thrown into the overwhelming world of the NICU without any time to prepare. We were scared and confused, feeling emotions that are difficult to put into words. As first-time parents to a premature baby, every alarm, every medical term, and every uncertainty felt terrifying.

Cara was one of the first nurses to care for E, and from the very beginning she made an unforgettable impact. She always spoke with patience and kindness, never making us feel like our questions or fears were insignificant. She validated every concern, no matter how small, and took the time to explain things in ways that made us feel informed and empowered rather than overwhelmed. Her calm demeanor and gentle words brought comfort during moments when we felt completely lost.

What stood out most about Cara was the love and nurturing she showed toward our son. She cared for E as though he were her own. Whether she provided hands-on care, celebrated his milestones with us, or simply spoke softly to him, it was clear she genuinely loved what she did and truly cared about the babies and families. Even the little things she did made an enormous difference. These small acts of thoughtfulness showed just how attentive and compassionate she was. She also became one of my biggest supporters during my breastfeeding journey. As a first-time mother trying to navigate pumping and providing milk for a premature baby, there were many moments when I felt discouraged and questioned whether I was doing enough. Cara always encouraged me, celebrated every accomplishment, and reminded me that I was doing an amazing job. Her support gave me confidence when I needed it most. The anxiety we experienced during our NICU journey was immense. My partner and I spent more nights sleeping in the NICU than we did in our own home because we could not bear the thought of being away from our son. We rarely left his bedside, and even taking a quick trip home for an hour or two felt impossible. However, whenever Cara cared for E, we felt at peace. We trusted her completely. Knowing she was with him let us step away, rest, and take care of ourselves because we knew our baby was in the best hands.

There are very few people in this world I would trust with my child, and Cara became one of them. She celebrated our victories, comforted us during setbacks, and consistently treated us with empathy and respect. She remembered details about our family, encouraged us when we felt discouraged, and helped us build confidence as parents. Even on the busiest days, she never made us feel rushed. She made us feel seen, heard, and cared for. NICU nurses are extraordinary, but Cara is truly exceptional. Her clinical skill, compassion, patience, and genuine love for her patients make her an incredible nurse and an even more incredible human being. She transformed one of the most traumatic experiences of our lives into one filled with hope, trust, and gratitude. Because of Cara, we never felt alone in our journey. She was not just our nurse; she became a source of strength and comfort during the hardest chapter of our lives. Her impact on our family will stay with us forever, and no words can fully express how thankful we are for her. Cara is the kind of nurse every family hopes to have when facing the unimaginable. She embodies compassionate nursing and is more than deserving of the DAISY Award.