July 2026 Honoree
Tara McComas, BSN, RN
There are nurses who teach, and then there are nurses who change lives—Tara is one of those extraordinary nurses. From the first day of clinical, she created an environment where students felt seen, supported, and confident that they belonged in the nursing profession. She never treated them as “just students”; she treated them as future nurses and believed in them before they fully believed in themselves.
When students hesitated or doubted themselves, Tara didn’t take over; she guided them, challenged them, and gave them the confidence to think critically and grow.
Her impact was evident not only in the way she taught, but in the way she cared for her patients. She looked beyond diagnoses and tasks to see the person—their fears, their stories, their families, and their humanity. Even during the busiest and most challenging moments, this nurse remained calm, compassionate, and steady, reminding her students that nursing is not simply about keeping up; it is about showing up.
Tara showed up for her students, encouraging them when they were uncertain, supporting them through mistakes, and creating a safe environment where learning could flourish. Because of her, these students left their clinical experience stronger, more confident, and more certain that they were meant to be nurses.
Her influence will continue far beyond their clinical rotation, carried with them into every patient interaction and throughout their nursing careers. Tara didn’t simply teach them how to be nurses; she showed them what it truly means to be a nurse.
For the compassion she gives, the confidence she inspires, and the lasting impact she has on both her patients and the future of nursing, the DAISY Award is awarded to Tara McComas.
When students hesitated or doubted themselves, Tara didn’t take over; she guided them, challenged them, and gave them the confidence to think critically and grow.
Her impact was evident not only in the way she taught, but in the way she cared for her patients. She looked beyond diagnoses and tasks to see the person—their fears, their stories, their families, and their humanity. Even during the busiest and most challenging moments, this nurse remained calm, compassionate, and steady, reminding her students that nursing is not simply about keeping up; it is about showing up.
Tara showed up for her students, encouraging them when they were uncertain, supporting them through mistakes, and creating a safe environment where learning could flourish. Because of her, these students left their clinical experience stronger, more confident, and more certain that they were meant to be nurses.
Her influence will continue far beyond their clinical rotation, carried with them into every patient interaction and throughout their nursing careers. Tara didn’t simply teach them how to be nurses; she showed them what it truly means to be a nurse.
For the compassion she gives, the confidence she inspires, and the lasting impact she has on both her patients and the future of nursing, the DAISY Award is awarded to Tara McComas.
Thank you, Tara, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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