Keyaira Faceson, BSN, RN

It is with great pride and appreciation that we nominate Keyaira "Keykey" Faceson for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Keykey is a remarkable nurse leader whose dedication to patient safety, commitment to supporting her colleagues, and ability to inspire positivity make her an invaluable member of our L&D team.

Keykey is someone who always puts patients first. She consistently looks out for the safety and well-being of every patient entrusted to our care and serves as a strong advocate for ensuring the highest standards of clinical excellence. Her vigilance, clinical expertise, and ability to anticipate potential concerns make her a trusted resource for both staff and providers. She has a natural ability to maintain awareness of everything happening on the unit, ensuring that patients, families, and staff are supported throughout even the busiest shifts.

As an active member of the Perinatal Patient Safety Program (PPSP), Keykey demonstrates her commitment to advancing patient safety initiatives and promoting a culture of accountability and excellence. She understands that safe care requires teamwork, communication, and constant attention to detail, and she willingly contributes her knowledge and expertise to improve processes and outcomes for mothers and babies.

One of Keykey's greatest gifts is her unwavering support of new nurses. With many nurses entering L&D as new clinicians, she consistently steps forward to guide, mentor, and encourage them. She generously shares her knowledge, answers questions without hesitation, and creates a safe environment for learning and growth. New nurses know they can turn to Keykey for guidance, support, and reassurance. Her mentorship helps build confidence, strengthens clinical practice, and contributes to the success and retention of our nursing staff.

Keykey is also an exceptional advocate for both patients and staff. She is never afraid to speak up when something needs attention and always approaches challenges with professionalism, compassion, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Her advocacy is rooted in a genuine desire to help others succeed and ensure that every patient receives the best possible care.

Perhaps what makes Keykey most extraordinary is her ability to bring joy to everyone around her. No matter how stressful, challenging, or unpredictable the day may be, Keykey has an incredible talent for making people laugh and instantly lifting the morale of the unit. Her positive energy is contagious. She has a way of turning difficult moments into opportunities for connection and encouragement, reminding everyone around her that they are capable of overcoming any challenge.

When morale on L&D nights was low due to organizational changes and particularly challenging cases, Keykey became a source of strength and positivity for the entire team. Rather than allowing negativity to take hold, she helped staff stay focused on their purpose, supported coworkers through difficult moments, and reminded everyone of the difference they make every day. Through her optimism, encouragement, and sense of humor, she helped rebuild morale and foster resilience during a time when it was needed most.

Her ability to bring people together and help them see the positive, even in the most challenging circumstances, is a true reflection of her leadership. What sets Keykey apart is that she does not focus on the negative. Instead, she consistently looks for the good in every situation and helps others do the same. Her optimism allows her to reframe challenges, inspire resilience, and remind the team of their strengths. She helps create an environment where people feel supported, appreciated, and motivated to do their best work.

Keykey sets the tone for the unit every day she is at work. Through her positivity, humor, compassion, and leadership, she fosters a culture of teamwork and support that benefits patients and staff alike. Her presence brings comfort during difficult moments, confidence during challenging situations, and joy during even the busiest shifts.

Keyaira "Keykey" Faceson embodies the qualities of an exceptional nurse leader. She is a patient safety champion, a dedicated mentor, a trusted advocate, and a source of unwavering positivity. Her impact extends far beyond the care she provides. She strengthens our team, inspires those around her, and makes our L&D unit a better place for patients and staff every day.

For her dedication, leadership, compassion, and ability to positively influence everyone she encounters, Keyaira "Keykey" Faceson is truly deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award.