Jennifer was there for me during one of the most significant and vulnerable times of my life, the birth of my daughter in September of 2025. When I first arrived at the hospital in early labor. I was in tremendous pain, but my body was not yet ready to progress. In those difficult moments, I began to realize that my desire for a natural birth might not unfold the way I envisioned.

I felt conflicted and defeated, but this nurse gave me peace of mind and comfort unlike anything I have ever imagined. She reassured me that choosing pain medication would never make me weak. Instead, she helped me see that making that decision could allow me to be present, aware, and connected with my daughter during her birth. In that moment, she made me feel truly seen, validated, and strong.

I went home to further my labor, but when the pain of contractions became unbearable, I returned to the hospital. I felt a deep sense of peace knowing she would be there to welcome me back. That reassurance alone gave me the strength to walk through the doors again. She stayed by my side, making sure my husband and I both felt safe and supported. She advocated for me tirelessly, especially when I asked to lower pain medications.

Even when I could not speak for myself through the intensity of pain, she spoke for me and ensured the team heard and respected my desires. She was present with me, offering not just clinical skills but also compassion, kindness, and reassurance. She ensured my wishes were communicated clearly to the day nurse at shift change. That kind of follow-through, that level of advocacy, is a mark of an extraordinary nurse who never lets her patients' voices go unheard.

What moved me even more was her joy and humanity. When she came back later to meet my daughter, her face lit up with happiness. I am a nurse myself, working in oncology, where I face death and loss daily. My perspective has given me deep respect for nurses who show up wholeheartedly for their patients. I know what excellent nursing looks like, and I can say with certainty that this nurse is the embodiment of excellence. While my work exposes me to the end of life, her work brings life into the world, and in doing so, she shines light into the lives of mothers like me.

To be in the presence of that light was an honor and a gift I will never forget. She gave me strength when I felt powerless, peace when I felt overwhelmed, and comfort when I felt afraid. I wholeheartedly believe she deserves the DAISY award. Her excellence in nursing is undeniable, and her impact on patients is profound. To see her honored with this recognition would not only be a reflection of the lives she has touched and will continue to touch with her care, advocacy, and light.