August 2026 Honoree
Khadija Issarti, RN
During my stay in the intensive care unit, I met a nurse whose exceptional care, professional competence, and compassion deeply impressed me. That is why I would like to nominate her wholeheartedly for the DAISY Award. It was only during my visit to the UKB today that I became aware of this nursing award, and I hope that this belated nomination will not be a problem.
Even in the first few days of my stay, her calm, empathetic, and conscientious manner stood out. Despite the often hectic atmosphere in the intensive care unit, she always took the time to make me feel safe, even when communication was limited to a click of the tongue. She explained medical procedures to me in a way that was easy to understand, patiently and in detail. In doing so, she was able to alleviate many of my fears and, in a situation marked by great uncertainty, instill in me a sense of security and trust.
Particularly memorable was the time when I had a tracheostomy due to my illness. At night, I was often very anxious because I couldn’t make myself heard and feared that, in an emergency, I wouldn’t be able to call for help. Especially in those moments, her care was invaluable. She came into my room regularly and without being asked, carefully checked the cuff, suctioned when necessary, and always made sure I was doing well. I never had to feel like I was alone or being overlooked.
Her mere presence gave me peace of mind and the confidence that someone was watching over me at all times. Throughout the rest of my treatment, she remained an indispensable point of contact. When the insertion of a PEG tube was imminent, the treating doctors took very little time to answer my questions in detail. She, on the other hand, patiently and clearly explained the entire procedure, including how to care for the tube afterward, wound care, and the healing process. Thanks to her extensive expertise and her ability to convey medical information in an understandable way, I was able to face this new situation with much greater composure.
What makes this nurse so extraordinary to me is not only her professional competence, but above all her humanity. She treated me not just as a patient, but as a person with worries, fears, and a need for understanding. She listened, explained, reassured me, and was there—often precisely in the moments when I needed her most. Her dedication, empathy, and extraordinary care have significantly shaped my stay in the intensive care unit and given me strength and confidence during one of the most difficult times of my life. For that, I am infinitely grateful. To me, she embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for, and I give her this award with all my heart.
Even in the first few days of my stay, her calm, empathetic, and conscientious manner stood out. Despite the often hectic atmosphere in the intensive care unit, she always took the time to make me feel safe, even when communication was limited to a click of the tongue. She explained medical procedures to me in a way that was easy to understand, patiently and in detail. In doing so, she was able to alleviate many of my fears and, in a situation marked by great uncertainty, instill in me a sense of security and trust.
Particularly memorable was the time when I had a tracheostomy due to my illness. At night, I was often very anxious because I couldn’t make myself heard and feared that, in an emergency, I wouldn’t be able to call for help. Especially in those moments, her care was invaluable. She came into my room regularly and without being asked, carefully checked the cuff, suctioned when necessary, and always made sure I was doing well. I never had to feel like I was alone or being overlooked.
Her mere presence gave me peace of mind and the confidence that someone was watching over me at all times. Throughout the rest of my treatment, she remained an indispensable point of contact. When the insertion of a PEG tube was imminent, the treating doctors took very little time to answer my questions in detail. She, on the other hand, patiently and clearly explained the entire procedure, including how to care for the tube afterward, wound care, and the healing process. Thanks to her extensive expertise and her ability to convey medical information in an understandable way, I was able to face this new situation with much greater composure.
What makes this nurse so extraordinary to me is not only her professional competence, but above all her humanity. She treated me not just as a patient, but as a person with worries, fears, and a need for understanding. She listened, explained, reassured me, and was there—often precisely in the moments when I needed her most. Her dedication, empathy, and extraordinary care have significantly shaped my stay in the intensive care unit and given me strength and confidence during one of the most difficult times of my life. For that, I am infinitely grateful. To me, she embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for, and I give her this award with all my heart.
Thank you, Khadija, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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