July 2026 Honoree
Melissa Kowatch, BSN, RN
I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Melissa for the DAISY Award. As a hospice nurse, I frequently collaborate with inpatient teams, and Melissa consistently and truly embodies the core of extraordinary nursing care through her compassion, clinical excellence, and dedication to patient advocacy. Her technical proficiency, clinical acumen, and kindness make her an excellent caregiver.
We recently cared for a patient on her unit who was facing a complex symptom burden. Managing this patient's physical distress required not just standard protocols, but critical thinking and clinical creativity. Melissa worked hard to think outside the box, continuously assessing the patient's comfort and pivoting care strategies to meet his rapidly changing and forecasted needs. The unit's other patients' needs were also significant at the time and were addressed throughout this process.
What stood out most was her commitment to honoring the patient's wishes and preferences. The patient and his family desperately wanted him to remain local, rather than being transferred to a farther facility. Recognizing how much this meant to him and prioritizing his individual needs and comfort, Melissa became a fierce advocate for his goals of care. She proactively brought together the interdisciplinary team and, on a holiday, no less —collaborating seamlessly with physicians, ICU staff, hospice staff, administration, and pharmacy—to ensure we could safely and effectively manage his symptoms in the setting of his preference. Because of her determination, coordination, and expert nursing interventions, the patient's agitation and severe pain were greatly alleviated. This afforded him comfort and dignity while surrounded by his loved ones in his own community.
Melissa didn't just do her job; she delivered a masterclass in holistic, patient-centered end-of-life care. She gave this patient the peace of staying where he felt safest. She deserves the DAISY Award.
We recently cared for a patient on her unit who was facing a complex symptom burden. Managing this patient's physical distress required not just standard protocols, but critical thinking and clinical creativity. Melissa worked hard to think outside the box, continuously assessing the patient's comfort and pivoting care strategies to meet his rapidly changing and forecasted needs. The unit's other patients' needs were also significant at the time and were addressed throughout this process.
What stood out most was her commitment to honoring the patient's wishes and preferences. The patient and his family desperately wanted him to remain local, rather than being transferred to a farther facility. Recognizing how much this meant to him and prioritizing his individual needs and comfort, Melissa became a fierce advocate for his goals of care. She proactively brought together the interdisciplinary team and, on a holiday, no less —collaborating seamlessly with physicians, ICU staff, hospice staff, administration, and pharmacy—to ensure we could safely and effectively manage his symptoms in the setting of his preference. Because of her determination, coordination, and expert nursing interventions, the patient's agitation and severe pain were greatly alleviated. This afforded him comfort and dignity while surrounded by his loved ones in his own community.
Melissa didn't just do her job; she delivered a masterclass in holistic, patient-centered end-of-life care. She gave this patient the peace of staying where he felt safest. She deserves the DAISY Award.
Thank you, Melissa, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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