"Christian is an exceptional nurse leader who consistently demonstrates compassion, accountability, and a strong commitment to patient-centered care. As Director of Urgent Care, he maintains a broad organizational perspective, aligning daily operations with system priorities, service line goals, and the pursuit of excellent patient outcomes.

Christian is dedicated to building strong, supportive teams. He invests in staff development, encourages professional growth, and ensures his team has the knowledge and tools needed to deliver high-quality care. His forward-thinking approach and deep nursing experience guide his decisions and drive continuous improvement across the urgent care service line.

He also leads by example. During staffing shortages, Christian has put on scrubs and worked alongside his team, demonstrating humility and solidarity. His leadership has helped expand the urgent care footprint to better serve our community and enhance access to care.

Beyond his operational responsibilities, Christian is active in professional organizations, including serving in a leadership role within the local NYONL chapter. He is also a trusted colleague, sharing tools, resources, and innovative ideas with fellow directors to strengthen leadership practices system-wide.

Christian exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award through his integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to his team and community. He is truly deserving of this honor."

A second nominator shared:

Christian Gardner is everything that exemplifies what a DAISY Nurse Leader should be. I have worked with Christian for two years in the Urgent Care setting. He has been a strong, consistent, fair, equitable, caring, and involved leader from day one. It was exactly what the Urgent Care setting needed, and the team embraced both the role and the person without hesitation.

Christian is always embracing tomorrow today by evaluating workflows, policies, and procedures, and implementing changes that allow us to work smarter, not harder.

Christian serves as one of the team. He is always willing to help at a site by rooming patients or assisting with solutions to patient concerns. He is a director you can count on to be there when you need him. He is hands-on and does not lead from behind a desk.

While all of these qualities are impressive, it is Christian’s commitment to caring like family that truly sets him apart. He makes a point to know every member of his team by name, rounds regularly at all sites, listens to concerns, and takes time for everyday conversations. This level of engagement fosters trust, cohesion, and a true sense of family.

He embodies the meaning of Ohana—family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.

I have personally experienced this during two family emergencies. Christian was incredibly supportive and helped me navigate the challenges of balancing illness, home, and work. He is fair, meets people where they are, and consistently encourages and supports professional growth.

Christian is a leader who empowers others rather than micromanaging. He gives leaders the opportunity to do their jobs, grow, and shine.

I am grateful that my career brought me to Urgent Care and gave me the opportunity to work alongside Christian. Thank you, Christian, for being you.