Taylor Frazier, BSN, RN, RNC-OB

I am nominating Taylor because she is the definition of what an exemplary nurse should strive to be, and she became an absolute hero to me. I was med-flighted at 37 weeks pregnant from Ascension Sacred Heart in Pensacola to UF Health Shands because my baby had a suspected pericardial effusion and a secondary condition that could not be ruled out. I was absolutely terrified, and I just knew in my gut that something was wrong, but upon arrival, I found the physician to be very dismissive of my concerns about my baby.

I am naturally a very shy person, and I am really not good at standing up for myself, so I felt completely overwhelmed, scared for my son, and voiceless. When Taylor came on shift, everything changed. Her intelligence and sharp clinical advocacy immediately shone through. We explained the situation and our demand for a second opinion, and without hesitation, she stepped up to be my voice and advocate for us, making sure we received the respectful care we deserved.

Taylor is not only extremely smart, but she has so much emotional intelligence and is so personable that she was an absolute comfort to be around. She consistently went above and beyond, anticipating my basic needs before I could even think to ask after such a long, stressful transfer. She proactively brought me fresh towels, a new hospital gown, socks, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and deodorant, restoring a sense of comfort and humanity to me during a chaotic time.

As a modest woman, Taylor also fiercely protected my personal and cultural boundaries. When a male physician entered my room without announcing himself, Taylor firmly corrected him and told him he needed to announce when a male was entering the room because I am a modest woman and need to make sure I have my head covering on. Knowing that Taylor was guarding my modesty made me feel entirely safe in an unfamiliar environment.

During the 12 hours I was blessed to have Taylor as my nurse, we received the life-altering news that my baby boy was diagnosed with coarctation of the aorta. In the heavy moments right after being told this, Taylor's deep empathy took center stage. She did not just complete her tasks and leave the room; she stayed. She sat with us and chatted effortlessly for about 25 minutes, and she compassionately reassured me that I did not do anything wrong and not to blame myself for his diagnosis. Her emotional support grounded me when my world was spinning.

Even at the very end of her long 12-hour shift, she made sure we were completely taken care of by personally introducing us to the night shift nurse and ensuring a smooth transition of care.

During our time together, Taylor warmly asked me where our son's name came from. I told her that I once had an Uber driver who was such an amazing person and made such an impact on me that I would never forget him. I did not realize it at that moment, but Taylor was about to become that very person for us. She is a stranger who stepped into our lives during a pivotal moment and left a positive impact that stretches for miles.

Taylor is an unforgettable, remarkably intelligent, and deeply compassionate nurse whose dedication to patient rights and unwavering support represent the very best of the nursing profession, and she is highly deserving of the DAISY Award.