As healthcare professionals, we often find it difficult to be on the receiving end of care. When I was admitted with a severe asthma exacerbation, it was both physically overwhelming and emotionally vulnerable to be in the hospital—not as a nurse, but as a patient. From the moment Sylvia assumed my care, she treated me not only with exceptional clinical skills but with genuine empathy and kindness.

What stood out even more was the way she cared not only for me, but for my family as well. She took the time to update and reassure my loved ones—answering their questions patiently, explaining my care plan in clear and compassionate terms, and offering a calm and confident presence that brought peace of mind to all of us.

In a moment filled with anxiety and uncertainty, Sylvia became a steady source of comfort. She acknowledged the emotional complexity of being a patient among peers and created a space where I felt safe, respected, and truly cared for. She explained everything clearly, managed my symptoms attentively, and never once made me feel like “just another nurse in a bed.”

Her presence was calming, professional, and deeply human. In a moment when I felt exposed, she reminded me why nursing is such a powerful and meaningful profession. Her clinical expertise was evident, but it was the kindness, humanity, and holistic care she showed to both me and my family that left a lasting impact. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a DAISY Nurse, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced their care, both as a patient and as a colleague. Her actions reflected the highest standard of nursing care and exemplified what the DAISY Award stands for.