The first two criteria for recognition as a DAISY Nurse are that first, the nurse must establish a special connection with a patient/family member, and secondly, must significantly make a difference in the life of a patient. The first person who immediately came to mind was Charlie Nix. Charlie has made a difference in the lives of many patients in just the short 12 months that I have known him. He and an entire team of people helped deliver a baby in the CCU while the mother was on ECMO; he and the team helped a young father of three return home to his wife and family after several days on ECMO, and helped restore his passion for music and bands, and I could go on.

But one, in particular, comes to mind, a young mother 34 years old who has a little 5-year-old boy. After 42 days on ECMO and a successful bilateral lung transplant, I had the opportunity to meet the patient a few weeks ago. During our conversation, she conveyed to me how long and tiresome her journey to healing was over the last 6 months. But two things gave her the zeal and determination she needed to press forward: her little 5-year-old son and... Charlie! She said to me, “On my really dark days, there was Charlie. When I wanted to give up, Charlie was at my side encouraging me and pushing me to get better. When I said I couldn’t do it anymore, again, Charlie was the strength I needed to go on. I would not be sitting here talking to you without Charlie...he was the wind beneath my wings.” Above all of Charlie’s many wonderful traits shines his commitment to patient service and safety. Charlie is a patient advocate in its purest form, and he is known and recognized for his exemplary qualities as a valuable member of the team and patient advocate not only the nursing staff, but the medical staff as well! To Charlie, his patients are a priceless commodity, as he provides education, guidance, and expert nursing care to everyone with the dignity, courtesy, and respect each deserves.