Jaime was nominated by a coworker who wrote: "Jaime exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award through her extraordinary leadership, mentorship, and dedication to compassionate patient care, indirectly impacting countless lives through her work. She embodies the VA values and has created a nurturing and inspiring environment for her colleagues, the fellows she mentors, and the patients they serve.

Jaime directs the Rural Scholar Fellowship Program, a groundbreaking initiative that recruits rural providers to focus on quality improvement within rural clinics and for rural patients. This work also improves rural clinician retention. Her tireless mentorship and guidance have been pivotal to the success of this program. She meets with fellows weekly, offering personalized support and fostering a shared vision of excellence in patient care. Jaime’s leadership has directly contributed to several transformative projects that have improved the lives of patients and enhanced the quality of care within the VA system.

One such project involved reducing clinician burnout by decreasing unnecessary alerts in primary care provider baskets, significantly improving workflow and provider satisfaction. Another initiative addressed adverse drug reaction documentation and monitoring, directly enhancing patient safety. Jaime also mentors a fellow who is trying to improve the care for Veterans during walk-in visits.

Her mentorship extends to innovative and patient-centered projects like improving agitation in patients with advanced dementia through music therapy and evaluating strategies to reduce loneliness among rural veterans. Jaime has also supported efforts to increase the use of pharmacogenetics for patients with refractory depression, ensuring they receive the most effective medications tailored to their needs. These projects, among others, demonstrate her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of rural Veterans and the providers who care for them.

Jaime’s impact extends beyond the VA system. She has led the dissemination of knowledge gained through these quality improvement projects, moderating sessions at national conferences and earning national recognition for her expertise. Her recent publication of a quality improvement project highlights her ongoing contributions to advancing nursing and healthcare excellence.

Her colleagues often speak of her with admiration and gratitude. “Jaime’s guidance is the reason our projects have been so successful,” one fellow remarked. “She doesn’t just lead—she inspires us to reach higher and to think creatively about how we can truly make a difference for our patients.”

Jaime’s compassion and dedication also shine through in her personal interactions. A colleague recently shared how Jaime supported them during a challenging time, saying, “She listened without judgment and offered solutions that I hadn’t considered. Her ability to connect on a personal level is unmatched.”

In every aspect of her work, Jaime models trust, respect, and ethical behavior, creating an environment where professional development flourishes. Her enthusiasm and shared vision motivate everyone around her to strive for better outcomes—for themselves, their colleagues, and their patients.

Jaime’s leadership exemplifies the highest standards of nursing and inspires those around her to do the same. She truly makes a difference every day, not just for her team but for the countless rural veterans who benefit from her vision and dedication."

Congratulations, Jaime, on your recognition and success!