Maria Moghissi
February 2026
Maria
Moghissi
,
BSN, RN
11 MICU
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center University Hospital
Columbus
,
OH
United States
Her calm demeanor and gentle guidance helped ease the family’s fear and grief in those final moments.
Maria Moghissi is deserving of the DAISY Award for the extraordinary compassion and personalized care she provided to a critically ill patient and their family during an end-of-life experience in the Medical ICU.
Maria was caring for a patient who had transitioned to comfort-focused care after a prolonged and difficult ICU course. The patient’s family was understandably overwhelmed and grieving, struggling to process the reality of their loved one’s condition. From the moment Maria assumed care, she created a calm, compassionate presence in the room. She took the time to explain what comfort care would look like, answered questions honestly and gently, and reassured the family that their loved one would not be alone or in pain.
Throughout the shift, Maria remained at the bedside, frequently checking on the patient and family, even when her workload was heavy. She sat with the family, listening as they shared stories and memories, ensuring the environment felt peaceful and respectful. Maria encouraged the family to participate in comforting their loved one in whatever way felt meaningful to them, helping them feel supported and involved during an incredibly vulnerable time.
As the patient’s condition declined, Maria demonstrated exceptional sensitivity and awareness. She notified the family early, giving them time to gather together and be fully present. When the patient passed, Maria allowed the family to remain at the bedside for as long as they needed, never rushing the process and offering quiet support. Her calm demeanor and gentle guidance helped ease the family’s fear and grief in those final moments.
After the family had said their goodbyes, Maria provided meticulous post-mortem care, treating the patient with dignity and respect. She took her time to ensure the patient was clean, peaceful, and cared for, honoring the life that had been entrusted to her care. The compassion Maria demonstrated extended beyond clinical responsibilities and reflected a deep respect for both the patient and their family.
This experience left a profound impact on the family, who felt supported, respected, and comforted during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Maria’s presence, kindness, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care exemplify the true spirit of the DAISY Award and represent the very best of the nursing profession.
Maria was caring for a patient who had transitioned to comfort-focused care after a prolonged and difficult ICU course. The patient’s family was understandably overwhelmed and grieving, struggling to process the reality of their loved one’s condition. From the moment Maria assumed care, she created a calm, compassionate presence in the room. She took the time to explain what comfort care would look like, answered questions honestly and gently, and reassured the family that their loved one would not be alone or in pain.
Throughout the shift, Maria remained at the bedside, frequently checking on the patient and family, even when her workload was heavy. She sat with the family, listening as they shared stories and memories, ensuring the environment felt peaceful and respectful. Maria encouraged the family to participate in comforting their loved one in whatever way felt meaningful to them, helping them feel supported and involved during an incredibly vulnerable time.
As the patient’s condition declined, Maria demonstrated exceptional sensitivity and awareness. She notified the family early, giving them time to gather together and be fully present. When the patient passed, Maria allowed the family to remain at the bedside for as long as they needed, never rushing the process and offering quiet support. Her calm demeanor and gentle guidance helped ease the family’s fear and grief in those final moments.
After the family had said their goodbyes, Maria provided meticulous post-mortem care, treating the patient with dignity and respect. She took her time to ensure the patient was clean, peaceful, and cared for, honoring the life that had been entrusted to her care. The compassion Maria demonstrated extended beyond clinical responsibilities and reflected a deep respect for both the patient and their family.
This experience left a profound impact on the family, who felt supported, respected, and comforted during one of the most difficult moments of their lives. Maria’s presence, kindness, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care exemplify the true spirit of the DAISY Award and represent the very best of the nursing profession.