January 2026 Honoree
Laura Salas, ASN, RN, CCRN
I would like to recognize Laura Salas for the DAISY Award for the exceptional compassion, kindness, and humanity she brings to her role as a nurse every single day.
Laura has worked at Shands for years, and throughout that time her personality and dedication have never changed. She is consistently kind, compassionate, and caring. Laura is the nurse everyone goes to when they have a question she is knowledgeable, patient, and never once makes anyone feel dumb. She creates a safe, supportive environment for both patients and coworkers, and she truly embodies what it means to be a nurse.
One experience that stands out occurred a few months ago with a patient with three young daughters under the age of eight. She was transferred to Shands from an outside hospital after being told she would likely need an amputation due to an aggressive cancer in her arm bone. She came to us for a second opinion, holding onto hope for a better outcome.
Unfortunately, during the workup and transfer process, the cancer progressed rapidly and metastasized throughout her chest cavity. At that point, there were no remaining treatment options. The focus shifted to comfort and support for both the patient and her family.
This situation deeply affected Laura, especially as a mother of two young girls herself. The patient’s husband remained at the bedside, caring for his wife while simultaneously trying to process how he would tell their three daughters that their mother was dying.
Laura went above and beyond in a way that cannot be taught. On her own time, she researched parks and walking trails around Gainesville that she personally takes her own children to, and shared these with the husband so he could take his daughters somewhere peaceful to clear their heads and give their mom time to rest.
The following day, Laura went shopping on her own and bought toys for the children to play with in the hospital room simply to help ease the burden on the father and bring moments of comfort and normalcy to the girls during an unimaginable time.
Laura did not do this for recognition. She did it because she genuinely cares. Her actions went far beyond bedside nursing; she cared for this entire family emotionally, thoughtfully, and selflessly during one of the hardest moments of their lives.
Laura Salas is the definition of a DAISY nurse. Her compassion, empathy, and unwavering kindness leave a lasting impact on patients, families, and coworkers alike. Shands and everyone who has the privilege of working with her are incredibly lucky to have her.
Laura has worked at Shands for years, and throughout that time her personality and dedication have never changed. She is consistently kind, compassionate, and caring. Laura is the nurse everyone goes to when they have a question she is knowledgeable, patient, and never once makes anyone feel dumb. She creates a safe, supportive environment for both patients and coworkers, and she truly embodies what it means to be a nurse.
One experience that stands out occurred a few months ago with a patient with three young daughters under the age of eight. She was transferred to Shands from an outside hospital after being told she would likely need an amputation due to an aggressive cancer in her arm bone. She came to us for a second opinion, holding onto hope for a better outcome.
Unfortunately, during the workup and transfer process, the cancer progressed rapidly and metastasized throughout her chest cavity. At that point, there were no remaining treatment options. The focus shifted to comfort and support for both the patient and her family.
This situation deeply affected Laura, especially as a mother of two young girls herself. The patient’s husband remained at the bedside, caring for his wife while simultaneously trying to process how he would tell their three daughters that their mother was dying.
Laura went above and beyond in a way that cannot be taught. On her own time, she researched parks and walking trails around Gainesville that she personally takes her own children to, and shared these with the husband so he could take his daughters somewhere peaceful to clear their heads and give their mom time to rest.
The following day, Laura went shopping on her own and bought toys for the children to play with in the hospital room simply to help ease the burden on the father and bring moments of comfort and normalcy to the girls during an unimaginable time.
Laura did not do this for recognition. She did it because she genuinely cares. Her actions went far beyond bedside nursing; she cared for this entire family emotionally, thoughtfully, and selflessly during one of the hardest moments of their lives.
Laura Salas is the definition of a DAISY nurse. Her compassion, empathy, and unwavering kindness leave a lasting impact on patients, families, and coworkers alike. Shands and everyone who has the privilege of working with her are incredibly lucky to have her.
Thank you, Laura, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees