I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Laura for the DAISY Award for the  extraordinary care she provided to our family during one of our most difficult weeks.  Our son, who is almost two years old, was hospitalized with a severe case of the virus and  pneumonia. As any parent knows, seeing your toddler struggle to breathe in a  hospital setting is terrifying, but Laura became our anchor.  What stood out most was Laura’s incredible ability to connect with our son. At almost  two years old, he was understandably frightened by the hospital environment. Other  staff members would enter the room to perform checks, and he would become  absolutely terrified. However, Laura recognized his fear and handled it with a level of  patience I have rarely seen. 

She didn't just rush in to do her job; she went above and beyond to build a foundation of trust first. Because of her calm and gentle approach, she was able to examine him with ease, turning what could have been a traumatic experience into a peaceful one.  Laura truly treated our son as if he were her own. She was never too busy to offer a kind word or a patient smile, even during the busiest parts of her shift. Her presence was a calming force not just for our son but for us as parents. The "extra mile" wasn't just a phrase for Laura; it was her standard of care. 

When it finally came time for discharge, we were naturally nervous about managing his recovery at home. Laura’s thoroughness and empathy helped us feel completely comfortable and prepared. She ensured all our questions were answered and that we felt empowered to take the next steps in his healing. Laura represents the very best of the nursing profession. She combines high-level clinical skill with a deep, intuitive compassion that changed the entire trajectory of our hospital stay. We are so grateful for her and believe she is deeply deserving of this honor.