Danielle Ames
February 2026
Danielle
Ames
,
BSN, RN
NICU
Utah Valley Hospital
Provo
,
UT
United States
Danielle’s influence extends far beyond a single shift; she has changed the way we care for our patients and the way we support one another as nurses.
I am nominating Danielle Ames for the DAISY Award because she exemplifies the true heart of nursing—strength, compassion, and selfless dedication. Danielle has been a steady foundation for our unit, especially during times of major change. When our team transitioned to EPIC charting, she almost single-handedly carried the weight of the process. She took the time to teach, troubleshoot, and support each of us with patience and encouragement, often staying late or coming in early to make sure everyone felt comfortable and confident. Her leadership, knowledge, and commitment kept our unit running smoothly when it could have easily fallen apart.
But what makes Danielle truly extraordinary goes far beyond her clinical skill. Danielle experienced a devastating personal loss when she lost her own baby at just 27 weeks. Rather than allowing that heartbreak to harden her, she transformed her grief into empathy and healing for others. She uses her experience to gently guide mothers through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Danielle creates space for them to grieve while helping them find moments of peace and beauty in the midst of unimaginable pain. She ensures every mother feels seen, loved, and supported, crafting a bereavement experience that honors both the mother and the baby. Her compassion doesn’t end with patients; it extends to her coworkers as well. Danielle checks in on those around her, offers a listening ear, and always finds a way to lift team morale even on the hardest days. She leads with grace, humility, and genuine kindness—qualities that inspire everyone who has the privilege of working beside her. Danielle Ames embodies the essence of what it means to be a DAISY Nurse. She brings excellence, empathy, and heart to everything she does.
***
Danielle’s actions have created a profound and lasting impact on both patients and staff. Her compassion toward grieving mothers transforms devastating loss into moments of connection, dignity, and healing. Families who have experienced her care often share that Danielle’s presence brought them peace during the darkest moments of their lives. Her empathy and calm strength remind them that even in tragedy, they are not alone. For our team, Danielle’s leadership during the EPIC transition built trust and unity—she turned what could have been a stressful, chaotic change into a smooth, well-supported process. She models what it means to lead by example, inspiring others to approach every challenge with patience, professionalism, and heart. Danielle’s influence extends far beyond a single shift; she has changed the way we care for our patients and the way we support one another as nurses.
But what makes Danielle truly extraordinary goes far beyond her clinical skill. Danielle experienced a devastating personal loss when she lost her own baby at just 27 weeks. Rather than allowing that heartbreak to harden her, she transformed her grief into empathy and healing for others. She uses her experience to gently guide mothers through some of the hardest moments of their lives. Danielle creates space for them to grieve while helping them find moments of peace and beauty in the midst of unimaginable pain. She ensures every mother feels seen, loved, and supported, crafting a bereavement experience that honors both the mother and the baby. Her compassion doesn’t end with patients; it extends to her coworkers as well. Danielle checks in on those around her, offers a listening ear, and always finds a way to lift team morale even on the hardest days. She leads with grace, humility, and genuine kindness—qualities that inspire everyone who has the privilege of working beside her. Danielle Ames embodies the essence of what it means to be a DAISY Nurse. She brings excellence, empathy, and heart to everything she does.
***
Danielle’s actions have created a profound and lasting impact on both patients and staff. Her compassion toward grieving mothers transforms devastating loss into moments of connection, dignity, and healing. Families who have experienced her care often share that Danielle’s presence brought them peace during the darkest moments of their lives. Her empathy and calm strength remind them that even in tragedy, they are not alone. For our team, Danielle’s leadership during the EPIC transition built trust and unity—she turned what could have been a stressful, chaotic change into a smooth, well-supported process. She models what it means to lead by example, inspiring others to approach every challenge with patience, professionalism, and heart. Danielle’s influence extends far beyond a single shift; she has changed the way we care for our patients and the way we support one another as nurses.