It’s hard to put into words the kind of impact someone like Kayla has on a unit, a team, or a patient’s experience—but I’ll try.

Kayla is the kind of nurse every patient hopes for and every coworker feels lucky to work beside. She is warm, professional, and genuinely kind. From the moment she walks through the door, she brings with her a contagious energy—always with a smile on her face and a positive attitude that uplifts everyone around her. Her presence alone seems to lighten the mood, no matter how tough the day may be.

She’s the kind of person who can make anyone laugh—even on the hardest days. Whether it’s a joke at just the right moment, a lighthearted comment to ease the tension, or simply the way she connects with others, Kayla reminds us all not to take life too seriously and to find joy where we can. But make no mistake—behind that playful personality is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever known. Kayla never hesitates to jump in where help is needed, whether it’s managing patient care, supporting a teammate, or even cleaning up after an unfortunate sidewalk incident—without complaint, and often with a laugh to follow. She just gets things done, no matter how big or small the task.

I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working alongside Kayla for the past four years, and during that time I’ve seen her consistently go above and beyond. But what stands out most to me is the time I got to experience her care firsthand—not as a coworker, but as a patient.

When I had a procedure done at OakLeaf, Kayla was my nurse. I can’t describe the peace of mind it gave me to see her walk into the room. I knew, without a doubt, that I was in excellent hands. Her calm confidence and genuine care allowed me to fully relax and trust the process. She anticipated needs before I could even voice them and made sure I was comfortable, safe, and informed every step of the way. That experience only deepened my respect for her as both a nurse and a person.

Kayla is not just an exceptional nurse—she is an exceptional human being. Her compassion, humor, and tireless dedication make a difference every single day. She embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving.