When I think about what makes a nurse worthy of the DAISY Award, Niesha comes to mind over and over.

I think of a nurse who meets the patient where they are, not just physically or emotionally, but spiritually. A nurse who is tenacious about the safety of our patients at all times. I think of a nurse who shows compassion at every turn, no matter the circumstances.

I see a nurse who will go to the ends of the earth to ensure that every i is dotted, and every t is crossed to ensure the patient gets what they need when they need it. She has climbed mountains, tripped over rough terrain, battled so many obstacles with great frustration just to ensure our patients can be assured that they can safely have their surgery with no worries. Most of these patients have no clue the battles she is enduring behind the scenes on their behalf. I have heard her make her patients and families laugh ahead of the anxiety before having surgery. I have heard her pray with her patients and families to bring peace and reassurance before having surgery.
She brings a calm presence to all she touches. She brings laughter to the most frustrating circumstances.

She endures it all in stride and continues to show up every day with a smile on her face and a renewed spirit to take on the battle again. She battles the storm and never allows anything short of perfect for our patients.

She is absolutely amazing and a shining light to all around her. She is an inspiration to many and someone who makes you stop and do a self-evaluation. Am I doing all I can do for our patients? Am I making a difference in my patients' lives? God is truly using her in a mighty way, and we are so blessed to have her as a part of our team.

Our patients are safer because of her persistence in adhering to doing what is right all the time.