Doreen Moniz, RN

I would like to nominate Nurse Doreen for the exceptional compassion and kindness she showed my son during his recent visit. Going into the appointment, I was honestly anxious. At his previous immunization visit, he had a difficult experience that left him fearful of receiving shots. I was worried that today’s appointment would reinforce that fear. From the moment Doreen walked into the room, everything was different. She immediately recognized that he needed a gentle approach.

Rather than rushing through the visit, she took her time, spoke to him warmly and kindly, and even got down on one knee to meet his eye level. That simple gesture made him feel safe and respected. She carefully positioned herself to make the vaccination as comfortable as possible and reassured him every step of the way. What could have been another frightening experience became one of trust and comfort. Because of Doreen’s patience, compassion, and gentle touch, my son left the appointment smiling instead of crying. He even said he is no longer afraid to come back to Primary Care—a remarkable change from how he felt before.

As a healthcare provider myself, I know how busy nurses are and how easy it is to just complete the task at hand. Doreen went far beyond that. She cared not only for my son’s physical health but also for his emotional well-being. Her empathy and presence transformed what could have been a traumatic experience into a positive memory. Doreen exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for. Her kindness, professionalism, and genuine compassion made a lasting impact on our family, and we are deeply grateful for the care she provided. Thank you, Doreen, for reminding us how powerful a gentle heart can be.