Being a small center and performing only cataract cases, our patients spend very little time interacting with our staff and have difficulty with technology due to their age. Devon is one of the hardest-working and caring nurses I have seen. She is the perfect recipient to receive a DAISY Award, and I’d hate to see a missed opportunity for such an outstanding nurse due to her current position. Devon has been invaluable to our facility and is one of the key reasons we have been able to remain open and continue to care for patients. Without her flexibility, can-do, and caring attitude, we probably would have been cancelling patients or providing care that pushed the boundaries of safety.

Her primary role is a circulating nurse, and as such, she rarely gets an opportunity to speak to patients for any length of time. During a large staffing turnover at our facility, she stepped up to learn the pre-op and discharge roles as well, to be able to continue to be helpful and care for our patients. Each month, she is called out by name on our surveys from patients for her super attitude and how much joy she brings when stepping into a room.

Devon always puts the care and safety of the patient first and has never turned down an opportunity to learn something new or complete a task. She is a true leader, and that is recognized by the culture change seen since her arrival at Tampa Eye & Specialty Surgery Center; even if that arrival is only temporary to fill a short fall before returning to her normal role within the West Florida Division. She continually steps up to any challenge and will continue to excel and show how incredible a nurse and leader she truly is. The patients she cares for are blessed to have her, and the staff around her are lucky and honored to work with her.