September 2026 Honoree
Evelyn Kneblewicz, RN
It is our honor to recognize Evelyn Kneblewicz for her exceptional compassion and dedication to both patients and staff. Evelyn consistently demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding nurse leader by creating an environment where patients receive safe, high-quality, and compassionate care while staff members feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Evelyn leads by example and treats every patient, family member, and employee with dignity, respect, and kindness. We can tell you all about how she transformed our unit through her leadership. She championed improving oral care provided to patients, which enhanced both patient comfort and outcomes. Evelyn spearheaded quality improvement projects that helped to reduce patient falls and worked tirelessly to retain staff during challenging times. Most importantly, she is deeply committed to improving the patient experience, ensuring every Veteran receives compassionate, high-quality care. Her dedication extends far beyond her daily responsibilities, creating a positive environment where both patients and staff can thrive.
One of the most meaningful ways she shows appreciation is through the small but thoughtful traditions she creates for the team. She never lets a birthday go unnoticed. Even on the busiest days, she finds a way to show up with a card, a kind message, or a surprise treat for the staff member’s celebration. It might be a quick gathering at the nurses’ station or a simple “happy birthday” during report, but she makes each person feel seen and valued. Those moments always bring smiles to the unit and remind us that we are more than just coworkers-we are a team she truly cares about.
Even when she is juggling countless demands, she takes the time to check on her nurses, offers a kind word, and reminds everyone that they are not alone. Her calm presence, sense of humor, and unwavering support create a work environment where nurses feel valued and confident.
Another powerful example of her advocacy was when she supported several nurses who had been waiting for too long for promotions they had clearly earned. Instead of letting the situation continue, she took the time to review their accomplishments, gather documentation, and advocate on their behalf. She spoke up for them, ensured their hard work was recognized, and followed through until their promotions were approved. For those nurses, it was not just a career milestone-it was a moment that showed them they had a leader who truly believed in them and was willing to fight for their success.
One of the greatest qualities Evelyn has is that she gives her all to her team every single day, often without receiving recognition or thanks in return, she is the person behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly, supporting her nurses, advocating for her patients, and stepping in whenever she is needed. Many times, the work she does goes unnoticed because she makes it look effortless-but those of us who work with her know how much dedication, time, and heart she puts into her role.
Rather than leading by title alone, Evelyn leads by building relationships. She knows when to encourage, when to coach, when a little humor is exactly what’s needed to change a stressful shift into a successful one. Evelyn can unite nurses of all experience levels and creates a positive work environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and focused on what matters most-providing outstanding care to our veterans.
Although she may not always hear it, her team sees her dedication. We appreciate the early mornings, the late nights, the difficult decisions, and all the moments when she puts others first. Evelyn represents exceptional nursing. She shows that leadership should be someone who serves, supports, and inspires others every day.
Evelyn truly deserves the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
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This is Evelyn's 2nd DAISY Nurse Leader Award!
Evelyn leads by example and treats every patient, family member, and employee with dignity, respect, and kindness. We can tell you all about how she transformed our unit through her leadership. She championed improving oral care provided to patients, which enhanced both patient comfort and outcomes. Evelyn spearheaded quality improvement projects that helped to reduce patient falls and worked tirelessly to retain staff during challenging times. Most importantly, she is deeply committed to improving the patient experience, ensuring every Veteran receives compassionate, high-quality care. Her dedication extends far beyond her daily responsibilities, creating a positive environment where both patients and staff can thrive.
One of the most meaningful ways she shows appreciation is through the small but thoughtful traditions she creates for the team. She never lets a birthday go unnoticed. Even on the busiest days, she finds a way to show up with a card, a kind message, or a surprise treat for the staff member’s celebration. It might be a quick gathering at the nurses’ station or a simple “happy birthday” during report, but she makes each person feel seen and valued. Those moments always bring smiles to the unit and remind us that we are more than just coworkers-we are a team she truly cares about.
Even when she is juggling countless demands, she takes the time to check on her nurses, offers a kind word, and reminds everyone that they are not alone. Her calm presence, sense of humor, and unwavering support create a work environment where nurses feel valued and confident.
Another powerful example of her advocacy was when she supported several nurses who had been waiting for too long for promotions they had clearly earned. Instead of letting the situation continue, she took the time to review their accomplishments, gather documentation, and advocate on their behalf. She spoke up for them, ensured their hard work was recognized, and followed through until their promotions were approved. For those nurses, it was not just a career milestone-it was a moment that showed them they had a leader who truly believed in them and was willing to fight for their success.
One of the greatest qualities Evelyn has is that she gives her all to her team every single day, often without receiving recognition or thanks in return, she is the person behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly, supporting her nurses, advocating for her patients, and stepping in whenever she is needed. Many times, the work she does goes unnoticed because she makes it look effortless-but those of us who work with her know how much dedication, time, and heart she puts into her role.
Rather than leading by title alone, Evelyn leads by building relationships. She knows when to encourage, when to coach, when a little humor is exactly what’s needed to change a stressful shift into a successful one. Evelyn can unite nurses of all experience levels and creates a positive work environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and focused on what matters most-providing outstanding care to our veterans.
Although she may not always hear it, her team sees her dedication. We appreciate the early mornings, the late nights, the difficult decisions, and all the moments when she puts others first. Evelyn represents exceptional nursing. She shows that leadership should be someone who serves, supports, and inspires others every day.
Evelyn truly deserves the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
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This is Evelyn's 2nd DAISY Nurse Leader Award!
Thank you, Evelyn, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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