Ghadeer Miqbel, RN, BSN

For the past two months, I have been beside [the patient] throughout her hospitalization and ICU journey. As her companion and caregiver for the last three years, I know her deeply - her personality, her fears, her comforts, and the specific things that help her feel safe and dignified, especially now, while she is sedated and on a ventilator.

While many nurses have done their jobs adequately, Nurse Ghadeer in the ICU was extraordinary in a way that immediately stood out. From the moment she entered the room, she created an atmosphere of peace, safety, compassion, and excellence. Instead of dismissing the small but important details that affect [the patient]'s comfort, she genuinely listened. She wanted to understand who [the patient] was before becoming an ICU patient.

In fact, Ghadeer specifically told me she loves hearing about who her patients were before they arrived in the ICU because she believes that matters. That statement alone spoke volumes about the kind of nurse she is.

[The patient] is 86 years old, with a shattered leg and significant pain issues. Even while sedated and ventilated, she still experiences discomfort, fear, claustrophobia, and physical pain. I explained certain things that help prevent unnecessary suffering for her: not elevating her legs because of severe pain, avoiding tight gown snaps under her arms, keeping wedges away from painful areas, keeping her head elevated because she becomes claustrophobic, watching swelling closely, keeping her eyes and face comfortable, and preserving the little comforts that help her maintain dignity.

Unlike many experiences we have had, Ghadeer never made these concerns feel burdensome or inconvenient. She never appeared irritated, dismissive, rushed, or defensive. Instead, she listened attentively, responded gently, and immediately incorporated those details into [the patient]'s care. Her actions consistently showed that she truly cared.

What stood out most was that Ghadeer combined exceptional clinical competence with genuine compassion. She was highly knowledgeable, attentive, honest, calm under pressure, and extremely thorough. When questions were asked, she answered them confidently and clearly, which created tremendous trust and reassurance for both myself and the family.

At the same time, her softness, kindness, and calm presence transformed the emotional environment of the room. She spoke to [the patient] with dignity and gentleness, even while she was ventilated. On a day when [the patient] was becoming more awake and alert, those compassionate interactions mattered deeply. They reduced fear and created comfort during an incredibly vulnerable moment.

Ghadeer did not simply complete tasks. She cared for the whole person. She demonstrated compassion, advocacy, teamwork, honesty, attentiveness, and nursing excellence at the highest level.

After nearly two months in the hospital, her care truly stood apart. She made [the patient] feel respected, protected, heard, and human. That is why I wholeheartedly believe Ghadeer deserves to be recognized with a DAISY award.