I am honored to nominate Nichole Calderon, Nurse Leader, for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. Nichole exemplifies outstanding nursing leadership through her unwavering commitment to her team, her patients, and our mission of exceptional care. Nichole is an outstanding nursing leader whose focus on teamwork, collaboration, and staff well‑being has created a culture where nurses feel supported, empowered, and valued. Under her leadership, her team has achieved a combined voluntary turnover rate of less than 13%, an exceptional accomplishment that reflects not only strong retention practices but also a sense of belonging for those she leads. Her positive influence is further reflected in her team’s overall Heartbeat Engagement score of 84%, demonstrating an environment where employees feel connected and engaged in the organization’s mission! Nichole’s ability to maintain high engagement while navigating the complexity and pace of Surgical Services is a testament to her emotional intelligence, authenticity, and approachable leadership style.

Operationally, Nichole’s leadership has driven outstanding performance in several critical Surgical Services measures. She consistently guides her team to lead and outperform on key metrics, including achieving significant success in first-case on-time starts, a foundational benchmark for quality, efficiency, and patient satisfaction in the surgical setting. Her teamwork, proactive problem‑solving, and commitment to evidence‑based practice ensure our patients experience excellence from the moment they come to St. Francis. What sets Nichole apart is her combination of professional expertise and human-centered leadership. She is visible, engaged, and always willing to roll up her sleeves to support her team. She celebrates staff accomplishments and navigates challenges with expertise; she reflects every attribute of a true DAISY Nurse Leader. Nichole Calderon’s leadership has elevated her team, strengthened organizational performance, and improved patient experience in meaningful ways. It is with great respect and admiration that I nominate her for this well-deserved recognition.