March 2026
Omar
El Shater
,
BSN RN
4N
Inova Alexandria Hospital
Alexandria
,
VA
United States
Omar didn’t just save that patient; he taught me how to think critically under pressure, how to advocate, and how to lead with calm confidence.
I was the bedside nurse caring for the patient at the time and worked directly alongside Omar throughout the emergency. As a new graduate nurse, I personally witnessed how he guided me step-by-step through the escalation process, supported me emotionally during a highly stressful situation, and modeled expert clinical leadership, patient advocacy, and teamwork in real time.
From my very first days as a new graduate nurse, Omar has been the person I could always turn to without fear, hesitation, or embarrassment. Starting as a new nurse is overwhelming, and there are moments when fear and self-doubt take over. Omar never made me feel small for asking questions. Instead, he made me feel safe, supported, and confident.
He took time to teach me hands-on skills that I was still uncomfortable with, like inserting IVs, and stayed with me until I felt capable. Thanks to his patience and encouragement, I gained confidence in my clinical abilities much faster than I had ever expected. Even today, I still feel that same sense of safety knowing that if Omar is working, the shift will be smooth, well-organized, and supported. The entire unit feels it. When Omar is in charge, we all breathe a sigh of relief.
One shift stands out to me more than any other. I had a patient whose blood pressure was rapidly dropping, and I became extremely anxious. I knew something was wrong, and I called Omar right away. He came immediately, calmly assessed the patient, and walked me through the steps to escalate the situation appropriately. He showed me how to communicate clearly with the provider, what information to report, and what immediate interventions were needed.
The provider ordered a bolus and drew blood samples. While I was preparing the fluids, Omar stayed with me and personally assisted with drawing the labs. When the patient’s blood pressure continued to drop, Omar did not hesitate to advocate strongly for the patient and requested an upgrade in care. Once the order was placed, he coordinated everything seamlessly with the Administrative Director and the Critical Care team, and personally transported the patient to a higher level of care, allowing me to stay safely with my other patients.
That moment changed me as a nurse. Omar didn’t just save that patient; he taught me how to think critically under pressure, how to advocate, and how to lead with calm confidence. I will never forget that experience because it showed me the kind of nurse and leader I want to become.
Omar is more than a supervisor. He is a true leader, a teacher, an advocate, and a protector of both patients and staff. He consistently shows up for the unit, supports his colleagues, and makes every nurse feel seen, heard, and valued. We trust him. We depend on him. And we grow because of him.
For all of these reasons, and for the countless moments that go unseen, I believe with my whole heart that Omar truly embodies what the DAISY Nurse Leader Award stands for. Our unit is stronger, safer, and better because of him.
***
I witnessed exceptional patient care from Omar on multiple occasions, but one moment stands out clearly in my mind. During a particularly challenging shift, we cared for a patient who was anxious, in pain, and struggling to cooperate with necessary interventions. While the rest of the team was overwhelmed, Omar stepped in with a calm, reassuring presence that immediately changed the entire atmosphere in the room.
He sat beside the patient, spoke softly, and took the time to explain every step of the care plan in a way that made the patient feel safe and respected. I watched the patient transform from fearful and resistant to calm, cooperative, and trusting, all because of the way Omar connected with him. He performed the clinical tasks with expertise and precision, but what made the moment exceptional was the compassion and dignity he brought to every interaction.
Omar consistently embodies patient-centered care. Whether he is educating a patient, comforting a family member, or supporting a nurse at the bedside, he leads with empathy, patience, and genuine concern. I have seen him advocate for patients, ensure their needs are met even during the busiest moments, and go above and beyond to make sure they feel valued and heard.
Witnessing Omar provide care reminds me why nursing is a calling. His presence elevates the standard of care for both patients and staff, and he serves as a model of compassionate, exceptional nursing. This is why he is profoundly deserving of the DAISY Leader Award.
I am honored to nominate Omar El Shater for the DAISY Leader Award because he is the kind of leader whose influence permanently changes the lives of the nurses he mentors. Omar’s leadership is grounded in compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to see every nurse around him grow and succeed. His impact on me personally and on our team has been extraordinary.
From my first day working with Omar, he saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. He consistently encouraged me to pursue professional development and motivated me to earn my MS-BC certification. Whenever I doubted myself, Omar reminded me that I was capable and deserving of advancing my practice. His encouragement went beyond simple words; he actively supported me in my studies, learning, and preparation. Without his guidance, I would not have taken that critical step in my career.
Omar also played a significant role in my leadership growth. He inspired me to apply for the charge nurse role and walked with me through every stage of the process. Instead of just telling me what to do, he empowered me to think critically, trust my judgment, and grow into the responsibilities with confidence. His leadership style is patient, hands-on, and rooted in kindness, a combination that makes learning a safe, meaningful, and motivating experience.
Clinically, Omar is exceptional. He is always willing to teach and share his expertise. Under his guidance, I learned how to insert an NG tube and an IV, and my first successful NG insertion was with him. He taught me in a way that made me feel comfortable, supported, and capable. He never made me feel embarrassed for asking questions; instead, he made every teaching moment an opportunity to build my skills and confidence. His willingness to invest in others, especially when the unit is busy, is a true reflection of his commitment to both patient care and nurse development.
What truly sets Omar apart is the way he leads with heart. He supports his colleagues both emotionally and clinically. He checks in on us, motivates us when we are overwhelmed, and constantly reminds us that we are stronger and more capable than we think. He creates a culture of teamwork, safety, and respect through his everyday actions, not just his title.
Omar exemplifies what the DAISY Leader Award stands for. His leadership elevates nursing practice, strengthens our team, improves patient care, and transforms the people around him. I am a better nurse today because of his mentorship, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my potential. He is truly deserving of this honor.
These nominations are evidence of Caritas
1. Deepen (Creative Self)
Use creative scientific problem-solving methods for decision-making
2. Balance (Learning)
Perform teaching and learning that addresses the individual needs and learning styles
From my very first days as a new graduate nurse, Omar has been the person I could always turn to without fear, hesitation, or embarrassment. Starting as a new nurse is overwhelming, and there are moments when fear and self-doubt take over. Omar never made me feel small for asking questions. Instead, he made me feel safe, supported, and confident.
He took time to teach me hands-on skills that I was still uncomfortable with, like inserting IVs, and stayed with me until I felt capable. Thanks to his patience and encouragement, I gained confidence in my clinical abilities much faster than I had ever expected. Even today, I still feel that same sense of safety knowing that if Omar is working, the shift will be smooth, well-organized, and supported. The entire unit feels it. When Omar is in charge, we all breathe a sigh of relief.
One shift stands out to me more than any other. I had a patient whose blood pressure was rapidly dropping, and I became extremely anxious. I knew something was wrong, and I called Omar right away. He came immediately, calmly assessed the patient, and walked me through the steps to escalate the situation appropriately. He showed me how to communicate clearly with the provider, what information to report, and what immediate interventions were needed.
The provider ordered a bolus and drew blood samples. While I was preparing the fluids, Omar stayed with me and personally assisted with drawing the labs. When the patient’s blood pressure continued to drop, Omar did not hesitate to advocate strongly for the patient and requested an upgrade in care. Once the order was placed, he coordinated everything seamlessly with the Administrative Director and the Critical Care team, and personally transported the patient to a higher level of care, allowing me to stay safely with my other patients.
That moment changed me as a nurse. Omar didn’t just save that patient; he taught me how to think critically under pressure, how to advocate, and how to lead with calm confidence. I will never forget that experience because it showed me the kind of nurse and leader I want to become.
Omar is more than a supervisor. He is a true leader, a teacher, an advocate, and a protector of both patients and staff. He consistently shows up for the unit, supports his colleagues, and makes every nurse feel seen, heard, and valued. We trust him. We depend on him. And we grow because of him.
For all of these reasons, and for the countless moments that go unseen, I believe with my whole heart that Omar truly embodies what the DAISY Nurse Leader Award stands for. Our unit is stronger, safer, and better because of him.
***
I witnessed exceptional patient care from Omar on multiple occasions, but one moment stands out clearly in my mind. During a particularly challenging shift, we cared for a patient who was anxious, in pain, and struggling to cooperate with necessary interventions. While the rest of the team was overwhelmed, Omar stepped in with a calm, reassuring presence that immediately changed the entire atmosphere in the room.
He sat beside the patient, spoke softly, and took the time to explain every step of the care plan in a way that made the patient feel safe and respected. I watched the patient transform from fearful and resistant to calm, cooperative, and trusting, all because of the way Omar connected with him. He performed the clinical tasks with expertise and precision, but what made the moment exceptional was the compassion and dignity he brought to every interaction.
Omar consistently embodies patient-centered care. Whether he is educating a patient, comforting a family member, or supporting a nurse at the bedside, he leads with empathy, patience, and genuine concern. I have seen him advocate for patients, ensure their needs are met even during the busiest moments, and go above and beyond to make sure they feel valued and heard.
Witnessing Omar provide care reminds me why nursing is a calling. His presence elevates the standard of care for both patients and staff, and he serves as a model of compassionate, exceptional nursing. This is why he is profoundly deserving of the DAISY Leader Award.
I am honored to nominate Omar El Shater for the DAISY Leader Award because he is the kind of leader whose influence permanently changes the lives of the nurses he mentors. Omar’s leadership is grounded in compassion, humility, and a genuine desire to see every nurse around him grow and succeed. His impact on me personally and on our team has been extraordinary.
From my first day working with Omar, he saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. He consistently encouraged me to pursue professional development and motivated me to earn my MS-BC certification. Whenever I doubted myself, Omar reminded me that I was capable and deserving of advancing my practice. His encouragement went beyond simple words; he actively supported me in my studies, learning, and preparation. Without his guidance, I would not have taken that critical step in my career.
Omar also played a significant role in my leadership growth. He inspired me to apply for the charge nurse role and walked with me through every stage of the process. Instead of just telling me what to do, he empowered me to think critically, trust my judgment, and grow into the responsibilities with confidence. His leadership style is patient, hands-on, and rooted in kindness, a combination that makes learning a safe, meaningful, and motivating experience.
Clinically, Omar is exceptional. He is always willing to teach and share his expertise. Under his guidance, I learned how to insert an NG tube and an IV, and my first successful NG insertion was with him. He taught me in a way that made me feel comfortable, supported, and capable. He never made me feel embarrassed for asking questions; instead, he made every teaching moment an opportunity to build my skills and confidence. His willingness to invest in others, especially when the unit is busy, is a true reflection of his commitment to both patient care and nurse development.
What truly sets Omar apart is the way he leads with heart. He supports his colleagues both emotionally and clinically. He checks in on us, motivates us when we are overwhelmed, and constantly reminds us that we are stronger and more capable than we think. He creates a culture of teamwork, safety, and respect through his everyday actions, not just his title.
Omar exemplifies what the DAISY Leader Award stands for. His leadership elevates nursing practice, strengthens our team, improves patient care, and transforms the people around him. I am a better nurse today because of his mentorship, encouragement, and unwavering belief in my potential. He is truly deserving of this honor.
These nominations are evidence of Caritas
1. Deepen (Creative Self)
Use creative scientific problem-solving methods for decision-making
2. Balance (Learning)
Perform teaching and learning that addresses the individual needs and learning styles