It is with immense respect and profound gratitude that we nominate Orlene Van Duyne for the Nurse Educator DAISY Award. In the complex and fast-paced world of hospital nursing, a great educator is not just a teacher, but a lifeline. For the nursing teams of 4 North and 3 South, and indeed for our entire medical center, Orlene is our anchor, our guide, and the steadying force that empowers us to provide the highest standard of care to our patients every single day. Orlene’s role extends far beyond simply disseminating information. She is the crucial bridge between policy and practice, between new evidence and its bedside application. This leadership is on full display as she spearheads the preparation for the upcoming massive rollout of the new Alaris IV pump system. A project of this scale could easily become a source of immense stress and confusion for staff. However, Orlene is already at the forefront, meticulously planning the educational strategy and developing training materials.

Her proactive approach and calm expertise are already instilling confidence in the team. We know that because of her leadership, hundreds of nurses will be well prepared and confident, ensuring a seamless and safe transition for our patients when we go live in just a few weeks. Beyond large-scale projects, she is our resident subject-matter expert in highly specialized skills. Orlene is the recognized expert for peritoneal dialysis (PD) at OUMC, single-handedly training and certifying nurses in this complex modality. Her deep knowledge and meticulous teaching ensure that our patients requiring PD receive care that is both safe and effective. She is the person we all turn to, and her expertise is an invaluable asset to our institution.

What truly sets Orlene apart, and what makes her the embodiment of the DAISY spirit, is her profoundly kind and approachable attitude. In a profession where stress and pressure are constant, Orlene fosters a safe and learning environment. There is never a question too small or a concern too trivial for her. She meets every query not with judgment, but with a genuine desire to help. This kindness created a culture of safety, encouraging nurses to speak up when they are unsure, which directly prevents errors and improves patient outcomes. Her impact is also felt in her dedication to the entire care team, particularly in her commitment to educating our Patient Observers. She empowers them with knowledge, making them feel like valued, integral members of the team.

Orlene’s leadership extends beyond immediate educational needs and into hospital-wide advocacy. As the chair of the Care of the Older Adult committee at OUMC, she champions the needs of one of our most vulnerable populations. In this role, she spearheads initiatives to improve safety, dignity, and the quality of care for geriatric patients throughout the medical center. This demonstrates her proactive vision and her deep-seated commitment to compassionate, evidence-based practice. Orlene Van Duyne is more than an educator; she is a pillar of support, a clinical expert, a project leader, and an inspiration. She doesn’t just teach us how to be better nurses; her compassion, integrity, and dedication show us why we became nurses in the first place. She is the quiet engine that drives clinical excellence and compassionate care in our units, and she is exceptionally deserving of the Nurse Educator DAISY Award.