It is with the utmost admiration and gratitude that I nominate Sandra Long for the DAISY Award. Sandra is the very heart of our ICU. An extraordinary nurse whose unwavering kindness, patience, and selflessness touch everyone around her.

Sandra approaches each day with a calm presence and a gentle strength that puts patients and coworkers at ease. Her patience seems limitless, and she gives her time freely. Whether it’s soothing an anxious family member, mentoring a new nurse, or stepping in to help during the most chaotic moments of a shift, she does it all quietly and without hesitation, never seeking recognition or praise.

What sets Sandra apart is not just their clinical skills, but the way she cares with her whole heart. She truly sees each patient as a person, not just a diagnosis, and she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure they feel seen, heard, and safe.

Sandra is also the nurse we all turn to. She is the first to help without being asked, the one who lifts others up, and the one who remains calm and centered in the toughest situations. And yet, through it all, she remains remarkably humble. She never calls attention to the countless things she does for others; they simply serve with quiet grace and genuine compassion.

Sandra Long embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award in every way. Her humility, dedication, and heart make her not only an incredible nurse but an irreplaceable part of our ICU family. We are so lucky to work beside her.