It is with great admiration and heartfelt gratitude that I nominate Diana Avila for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. She exemplifies every quality that this recognition represents: compassion, skill, dedication, and a tireless commitment to providing outstanding, high-quality patient care.

During her time caring for my loved ones, Diana consistently went above and beyond what was expected. One instance that particularly stands out is the patience Diana showed in both pre-op and recovery with my elderly mother, providing whatever she needed to feel comfortable and in as little pain as possible. Another memorable moment was how kind and compassionate Diana was with my husband during a difficult IV start. She took time to listen, talk, and educate each of my family members, earning their trust and giving them both comfort and confidence.

In those moments, it was clear that nursing isn’t just a job for Diana, it’s a passion, a calling. Beyond her clinical expertise, what sets Diana apart is her ability to clearly communicate and connect with her patients on a deep and sincere level. She brings a calming presence to every interaction, listens without judgment, and offers encouragement when it’s needed most. These qualities don’t appear in medical records, but they leave a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to be under her care.

Diana is a true role model, not only to patients but also to her colleagues. In both caregiving instances, Diana was serving as a nurse preceptor, training, mentoring, and teaching new staff. She embodies teamwork, always ready to support coworkers and foster a positive, respectful environment.

For all these reasons, and so many more, I wholeheartedly believe Diana is the very definition of a DAISY Nurse.