I’ve worked alongside Liz in the ICU for the past five years. Since the day I met her, she’s inspired my work as a nurse by exemplifying quality care, patience, and empathy. Liz’s wealth of knowledge and vast experience make her a vital asset to the hospital. Her level of expertise is regarded highly by even the most seasoned professionals in our field. She is a strong leader, often serving as charge nurse to the unit, and provides extraordinary care at the bedside. I cannot begin to count how many patient and visitor encounters I have witnessed that qualify Liz for the DAISY Award. However, I will speak of my most recent experience, which occurred only today.

Liz is caring for a very ill man who is intermittently confused but constantly lonely. He can be heard calling out for help all day long, despite his family being seated at the bedside offering their assistance. His repeated request is for the presence of the “blonde nurse,” who has left a warm impression on him by providing empathetic, loving care. She started out the shift by shaving this man, who entered the hospital very disheveled and unkempt after a fall. He had a lengthy intubation following a major surgery and is slow on the way to recover. This was a simple act of humanity that meant a tremendous amount to not only the patient but to his family, who had never seen him without a clean-shaven face. She spoke kindly to him as she cleaned him up, sharing stories about her own children and pets, and inspired this bewildered patient to open up about his own life.

As I spent the day outside his room, the place where my computer was parked, as I had the patient next door, I listened as Liz breathed new life into not only this man, but into his family as well. Not once did she get annoyed with his constant moaning, groaning, and summoning. She used humor to make light of his demands and set a boundary and level of expectations that the nurses will appreciate in his care. This man may not remember Liz’s name in the days and weeks to come, but I can assure you he and his family will never forget the care delivered and attention served by the “blonde nurse” in the ICU.

I have dozens of stories to share of Liz, just like this one. No matter who the patient is or why they are admitted, Liz delivers the same exceptional, empathetic care to every single one of her patients. She’s always willing and ready to help her coworkers and puts the needs of all of those around her before her own. I’d be at peace knowing she was the nurse of my loved one, and I cannot think of another nurse more deserving of such an award.