Christine floated to our unit and immediately demonstrated the kind of compassion and presence that defines extraordinary nursing.

During her shift, she noticed that one of our hospice patients was alone in his room without any visitors. Although he was not her assigned patient, Christine chose to spend all of her available downtime at his bedside, holding his hand, talking with him, and even completing her charting in a chair next to him so he wouldn't be alone.

At one point, another RN realized Christine had been away from the nurses' station for a while and reached out to be sure she wasn't overwhelmed or needing help. Christine simply replied, "Oh no, I'm fine. I just want to sit with this patient since he's all alone in his room."

Her empathy, attentiveness, and genuine human connection in that moment exemplify the heart of nursing. Christine went above and beyond, offering comfort and dignity to a patient at the end of life, purely because it was the right thing to do.

Christine truly is an extraordinary RN, and her actions reflect the spirit of the DAISY Award in every way.