Mary Catherine is not only an exceptional nurse but also the heart and soul of our department. Every shift she works, she brings light, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to patient care that far exceeds the expectations of her role. She is the embodiment of selflessness. Her dedication to putting patients first is evident in countless ways as she goes above and beyond the call of duty. She doesn’t just care for patients, but she cares about them. On numerous occasions, she has gone out to buy clothing for patients and children who have none. She has taken the laundry of homeless patients home to wash, ensuring they have clean clothing to maintain dignity and comfort. When the cafeteria is closed, and a patient is hungry, she uses her own money to purchase food without hesitation. She is there to hold her patients' hands in their greatest time of need and give them a helping hand when they just need a little extra support. It’s no surprise that patients frequently request her by name. She listens intently, treats every person with respect, and provides the kind of care that makes people feel safe, seen, and valued. Her kindness and empathy leave lasting impressions not only for the patients but for every member of the team. As a colleague, she is the nurse everyone wants to work with. Her positivity, leadership, and work ethic are contagious. She inspires those around them to do better and be better. Coworkers are eager to pick up extra shifts just for the chance to work alongside her. She makes the hardest days lighter, the busiest shifts more manageable, and reminds us all why we chose this profession. She is not just a nurse. She is the nurse we all aspire to be. Mary Catherine represents the true spirit of nursing, and her actions speak volumes about the kind of person she is. She doesn’t look for recognition; she simply does what’s right because it’s in her nature.

**This is Mary Catherine's 2nd DAISY Award, the first being a DAISY Award for Student Nurses!