Nia
Kooiman
May 2023
Nia
Kooiman
,
BSN Student
University of Maryland School of Nursing
Baltimore
,
MD
United States

 

 

 

In a heartfelt moment, my patient looked into my eyes and told me: "You are meant to be a nurse."
My journey into nursing stemmed from my deep-rooted passion for helping others, and I strongly believe that empathy and compassion are indispensable qualities in the nursing profession. Throughout my time in nursing school, I exhibited these traits, which have had a positive impact on my patients' lives and ultimately led to the honor of receiving the DAISY Award.

The event that led to my DAISY Award nomination occurred during my final semester as a nursing student. I was caring for a patient and administering an assessment. As we sat together, my patient reflected on life, and we shared our love for music and its nostalgic significance. In a heartfelt moment, my patient looked into my eyes and told me: "You are meant to be a nurse." My patient’s words deeply moved me. My patient continued to tell me: “Your spirit is kind. You are so thoughtful. You deeply care for others.”

Receiving the DAISY Award served as a powerful reminder of that touching encounter and reinforced the importance of compassion and empathy in my nursing practice. These qualities were instilled in me by my mother and my grandmother to whom I am immensely grateful. Their influence has equipped me to positively impact the lives of my patients.

I am incredibly honored to have received the DAISY Award, and I am committed to continuing my journey with unwavering dedication to providing exceptional care and support to my patients. Nursing is not just a profession to me; it is a calling driven by my sincere desire to make a significant difference in the lives of patients.