August 2026 Honoree
Makenna Croson, BSN, RN
Makenna Croson is truly an all-star, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of a DAISY Award.
From the moment she called us back from the pediatric waiting room, she made us feel cared for. She patiently waited while I gathered my son and our belongings, even offering to carry things for us. As we walked to the room, she looked at my son and said, "There will be no surprises today." As the mom of a child with developmental delays and a chromosome deletion, those words meant everything. She promised that everything would be explained before it happened, and that simple statement immediately built trust and helped calm both my son and me.
Throughout our visit, Makenna carefully reviewed my son's medical history with me, repeating it back to ensure nothing was missed. She listened, valued my perspective as his mom, and treated us like partners in his care.
When it was time for an EKG, she did everything she could to help him succeed. She found toys and stickers, explained the process multiple times, and gave him every opportunity to feel comfortable. When he became overwhelmed, even with Child Life's support, she paused and asked whether it was truly necessary rather than pushing forward just because it was ordered. It was clear she was always thinking about what was best for my son and looking for ways to minimize his stress while still providing excellent care.
The enema was new for him, and Makenna walked through every step with kindness and patience. She had everything prepared ahead of time to make the experience as smooth and dignified as possible. She helped my son get cleaned up afterward, gave him choices throughout the process, and spoke directly to him with respect.
She treated him as a person, not just a patient, and that meant more than I can put into words.
Before we left, Makenna made sure I felt confident taking my son home. She answered every question without making me feel rushed, even though it was 1:30 in the morning and we still had a two-hour drive ahead of us. Knowing we had a long drive, she made sure I had snacks and even went to her locker and gave me her own Peach Raspberry Dazzl'r Bubbl'r. It may seem like a small gesture, but after such a day, that simple act of kindness meant the world to me, and it just happened to be my favorite flavor.
Makenna’s clinical skills are exceptional, but what truly sets her apart is her compassion. She made a frightening and overwhelming experience feel safe, and she cared for my son and me with patience, respect, and dignity. Those are the moments families never forget.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Makenna embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for. I am incredibly grateful that she was our nurse.
From the moment she called us back from the pediatric waiting room, she made us feel cared for. She patiently waited while I gathered my son and our belongings, even offering to carry things for us. As we walked to the room, she looked at my son and said, "There will be no surprises today." As the mom of a child with developmental delays and a chromosome deletion, those words meant everything. She promised that everything would be explained before it happened, and that simple statement immediately built trust and helped calm both my son and me.
Throughout our visit, Makenna carefully reviewed my son's medical history with me, repeating it back to ensure nothing was missed. She listened, valued my perspective as his mom, and treated us like partners in his care.
When it was time for an EKG, she did everything she could to help him succeed. She found toys and stickers, explained the process multiple times, and gave him every opportunity to feel comfortable. When he became overwhelmed, even with Child Life's support, she paused and asked whether it was truly necessary rather than pushing forward just because it was ordered. It was clear she was always thinking about what was best for my son and looking for ways to minimize his stress while still providing excellent care.
The enema was new for him, and Makenna walked through every step with kindness and patience. She had everything prepared ahead of time to make the experience as smooth and dignified as possible. She helped my son get cleaned up afterward, gave him choices throughout the process, and spoke directly to him with respect.
She treated him as a person, not just a patient, and that meant more than I can put into words.
Before we left, Makenna made sure I felt confident taking my son home. She answered every question without making me feel rushed, even though it was 1:30 in the morning and we still had a two-hour drive ahead of us. Knowing we had a long drive, she made sure I had snacks and even went to her locker and gave me her own Peach Raspberry Dazzl'r Bubbl'r. It may seem like a small gesture, but after such a day, that simple act of kindness meant the world to me, and it just happened to be my favorite flavor.
Makenna’s clinical skills are exceptional, but what truly sets her apart is her compassion. She made a frightening and overwhelming experience feel safe, and she cared for my son and me with patience, respect, and dignity. Those are the moments families never forget.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Makenna embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for. I am incredibly grateful that she was our nurse.
Thank you, Makenna, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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