I would like to nominate Mousumi “Mo” Franks, RN, for the DAISY Award for the profound impact she had on my recovery during my recent hospital stay — even though I was not her assigned patient.

Mo was my roommate’s nurse, yet she took the time to check on me, encourage me, and support me in ways that went far beyond her responsibilities. Following my surgery, Mo pushed me in the best possible way. She encouraged movement, independence, and healing with confidence, warmth, and genuine care. She offered practical, sometimes unconventional, but incredibly effective recovery advice — recommending I chew gum, drink plenty of water, and most importantly, walk, walk, walk. Those simple but intentional interventions made a significant difference in my recovery.

What stood out most was that Mo chose to care. She checked on me even when she didn’t have to. I wasn’t her patient, yet she treated me like I was. She took the time to talk with my partner and me on a personal level, and those conversations — about our families and life outside the hospital — brought comfort and a sense of normalcy during a very vulnerable time. That human connection meant everything.

As a nurse myself, I recognized immediately that Mo is a seasoned nurse — one of “the good ones.” Her experience, intuition, confidence, and compassion were evident in every interaction. She had a presence that made you feel safe, motivated, and genuinely cared for. You could feel her passion for nursing and her commitment to her patients — even the ones not officially assigned to her.

I truly feel blessed to have crossed paths with Mo during my hospital stay. Her encouragement, wisdom, and kindness played a meaningful role in my recovery, and I will never forget the difference she made simply by showing up and caring.

Mousumi “Mo” Franks exemplifies the very heart of nursing and embodies everything the DAISY Award represents. She is deeply deserving of this recognition.