Susan Gucciardi
January 2026
Susan
Gucciardi
,
RN
Primary Care Center
St. Joseph's Hospital
Syracuse
,
NY
United States
Sue advocated for the well-being of both the baby and the mother, going above and beyond what was required of her role.
I would like to recognize Sue for the extraordinary compassion, patience, and professionalism she displayed during one of the most emotionally complex and heartbreaking shifts I have witnessed.
Recently, Sue was assisting in caring for a newborn who had to be removed from the custody of the mother due to safety concerns. From the moment the situation began to unfold, Sue handled every moment with incredible sensitivity, dignity, and grace.
This process, which spanned over eight long and emotionally charged hours, involved coordinating with social work, comforting a stressed and overwhelmed mother, and ensuring the newborn was kept safe, calm, and cared for. What stood out most was Sue’s commitment to treating everyone involved with compassion and humanity.
Despite the legal and clinical nature of the situation, Sue never lost sight of the emotional toll it was taking on the mother. She sat with her, listened to her, held her hand, and spoke to her with such gentleness that it brought many of us to tears. She ensured the mother had privacy when needed, but also never let her feel alone. Sue advocated for the well-being of both the baby and the mother, going above and beyond what was required of her role.
Her patience and professionalism were unmatched. She never rushed the process, even as the hours dragged on and emotions escalated. She remained composed, supportive, and focused on maintaining a sense of calm. She reminded everyone around her that nursing is more than medical care — it’s also about showing compassion during life’s most vulnerable moments.
Sue exemplifies what it means to be a DAISY Nurse. Her actions that day had a lasting impact on everyone involved, and I am honored to work alongside someone who embodies the true spirit of nursing.
Recently, Sue was assisting in caring for a newborn who had to be removed from the custody of the mother due to safety concerns. From the moment the situation began to unfold, Sue handled every moment with incredible sensitivity, dignity, and grace.
This process, which spanned over eight long and emotionally charged hours, involved coordinating with social work, comforting a stressed and overwhelmed mother, and ensuring the newborn was kept safe, calm, and cared for. What stood out most was Sue’s commitment to treating everyone involved with compassion and humanity.
Despite the legal and clinical nature of the situation, Sue never lost sight of the emotional toll it was taking on the mother. She sat with her, listened to her, held her hand, and spoke to her with such gentleness that it brought many of us to tears. She ensured the mother had privacy when needed, but also never let her feel alone. Sue advocated for the well-being of both the baby and the mother, going above and beyond what was required of her role.
Her patience and professionalism were unmatched. She never rushed the process, even as the hours dragged on and emotions escalated. She remained composed, supportive, and focused on maintaining a sense of calm. She reminded everyone around her that nursing is more than medical care — it’s also about showing compassion during life’s most vulnerable moments.
Sue exemplifies what it means to be a DAISY Nurse. Her actions that day had a lasting impact on everyone involved, and I am honored to work alongside someone who embodies the true spirit of nursing.