May 2026 Honoree

Emily Bortnick

  • Pennsylvania State University - Behrend
  • Behrend
    ,
    PA
    ,
    United States
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I nominate Emily for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional compassion, integrity, and academic excellence as a student nurse. Emily consistently exemplifies the true spirit of nursing through her genuine kindness, unwavering empathy, and commitment to excellence in both patient care and professional growth.

What sets Emily apart is her natural ability to connect with patients on a deeply human level. She approaches every individual with sincerity, warmth, and respect, ensuring they feel heard, valued, and safe. Whether comforting an anxious patient, advocating for someone’s needs, or simply offering a reassuring presence, Emily’s compassion is authentic and constant. She is consistently kind, regardless of circumstance.

Beyond her patient care, Emily is an incredible support to her peers. She readily offers help without hesitation, whether that means clarifying complex concepts, demonstrating skills, or providing encouragement during stressful clinical days. She fosters a collaborative, uplifting learning environment and leads by quiet example. Her humility makes her approachable, and her positivity strengthens the entire group.

Academically, Emily demonstrates remarkable intellectual ability and critical thinking. She does not simply memorize information; she synthesizes it, applies it thoughtfully, and anticipates patient needs with impressive clinical reasoning. Her questions reflect depth of understanding, curiosity, and a genuine desire to provide the highest standard of care.

Despite her academic strengths, Emily remains grounded and eager to learn. She actively seeks feedback, reflects on her experiences, and continuously strives to improve. Her professionalism, preparation, and accountability reflect a deep respect for the nursing profession.

Emily embodies the qualities the DAISY Award represents: compassion, excellence, collaboration, and dedication to patient-centered care. She is simply an exceptional student nurse.

For these reasons, I wholeheartedly recommend Emily for this well-deserved recognition.

Thank you, Emily, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.

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