Linda serves as the sole case manager in our busy mental health clinic, a role she selflessly stepped into after the position had remained vacant for over two years. Since taking on this responsibility, she has demonstrated a remarkable blend of clinical skill, compassion, and dedication that has directly improved the safety and well-being of some of our most vulnerable patients and the well-being of staff members.

Linda currently manages 21 high-risk patient cases while also tracking the caseloads of 13 providers. Despite the intensity of this workload, she approaches each case with steady professionalism and an unwavering commitment to patient safety.

Most recently, she successfully coordinated the transfer of three acutely ill and suicidal patients. This process required seamless collaboration with multiple agencies and an ability to manage complex logistics under pressure. Thanks to Linda’s diligence and persistence, all transfers were completed without incident.

The significance of her work cannot be overstated. In the past, our clinic tragically lost a patient to suicide in the critical period following a transfer before Linda assumed this role. Knowing this history, providers were understandably anxious about future transfers. Linda’s ability to mitigate risk, safeguard patients, and reassure colleagues has restored confidence throughout our team. Her actions exemplify not only expert case management but also the compassion, vigilance, and courage that define extraordinary nursing.

Linda is also a proactive go-getter who consistently anticipates the needs of both her colleagues and the patients she serves before they are identified by others. She has seamlessly managed her caseload and responsibilities, ensuring that Defense Health Agency standards are met without fail.

In addition, she identified and corrected a critical gap in case management where readiness standards for active-duty service members were not being tracked in a standardized fashion. Linda proactively developed a process to ensure these standards are consistently met, enabling the clinic to return active-duty warfighters to full service with greater efficiency and reliability, re-instilling confidence from their Commanders. Her foresight, initiative, and innovation create an environment of stability and trust, where both staff and patients know they can rely on her.

Linda’s contributions reach far beyond numbers and tasks. She has become a trusted anchor for both patients and providers, a professional whose calm presence, tireless advocacy, and steadfast commitment create a safer, more hopeful environment for all.

Working in the Mental Health Flight gives Linda a unique peek behind the curtain to see how the caregivers of mental health patients truly cope with everyday life stressors while providing patient care. Being human, she has identified when many of the technicians are having bad days, and she takes it upon herself to perform random acts of kindness for them, including baking, providing lunch, promoting laughter, and just going above and beyond to help and take care of the technicians. She positively touches the lives of those around her by showing her exceptional care, warmth, and compassion.

Linda embodies the very spirit of the DAISY Award, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition!