Laura M Williams, BSN, RN, CPEN

I am honored to nominate Laura Williams for the DAISY Award because she represents the very best of nursing—skilled, steady, and compassionate care paired with the kind of leadership that quietly strengthens everyone around her. In our Pediatric Emergency Department, where families arrive frightened and overwhelmed, Laura consistently creates a calmer, safer environment for patients, parents, and the team.

Over time, our department developed a noticeable divide between day shift and night shift. This impacted the tone of handoffs, collaboration, and morale. In a high-acuity pediatric setting, that matters. Team dynamics directly affect how reliably we communicate, how efficiently we respond, and how supported families feel in the moments they walk through the doors.

Laura recognized this divide and took action in a way that was professional, respectful, and values-driven. She did not place blame or escalate tension. Instead, she owned the problem and chose a positive, inclusive solution. Laura started a simple “duck hunt” by placing small rubber duckies around the unit in appropriate areas. What appeared small became meaningful—it created a shared experience across shifts and roles, brought warmth back into daily interactions, and rebuilt connections in a department that truly needed it.

The impact has been lasting. Communication between shifts has improved. Handoffs feel smoother and more professional. Team members engage with one another with more respect, assume good intent more often, and collaborate more effectively during stressful moments. Even providers participated, reinforcing a stronger sense of “one team.” Laura helped restore unity in a way that supports not only staff well-being, but also patient safety and family experience.

Laura’s actions clearly reflect AdventHealth’s service standards:

Keep Me Safe: By strengthening teamwork and communication across shifts, Laura supported safer, more reliable care—especially during transitions and high-acuity situations.

Love Me: Laura consistently leads with kindness and respect. She recognized the emotional weight on the team and created a supportive environment where people feel seen and valued.

Own It: She took initiative without being asked, followed through consistently, and demonstrated true accountability for the culture of our department.

Make It Easy: Her approach was simple, inclusive, and sustainable—reducing barriers between shifts and making positive connection and teamwork easier for everyone.

Laura Williams demonstrates what the DAISY Award honors: extraordinary nursing grounded in compassion, professionalism, and meaningful impact. Because of Laura, our Pediatric ED is more connected, more respectful, and better positioned to provide the safe, compassionate care our children and families deserve.