Taylor Reardon
May 2026
Taylor
Reardon
,
BSN, RN
5K Inpatient
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis
,
TN
United States
Taylor is not just an excellent nurse—she is a truly remarkable human being whose kindness, warmth, and genuine care have made an unforgettable difference in my experience.
The DAISY Award is a special honor within a hospital, recognizing nurses who go above and beyond in providing not only exceptional clinical care but also extraordinary compassion. It celebrates those rare individuals who make a lasting impact on their patients’ lives. It is with heartfelt gratitude and complete confidence that I nominate Taylor for the DAISY Award. Taylor is not just an excellent nurse—she is a truly remarkable human being whose kindness, warmth, and genuine care have made an unforgettable difference in my experience.

From the very first day Taylor walked into my room, she brought something with her that cannot be taught in textbooks: light. Hospitals can sometimes feel overwhelming, stressful, and even lonely. Yet somehow, whenever Taylor enters the room, everything feels lighter. She doesn’t just walk in as a nurse completing tasks—she walks in as someone who genuinely cares about how I’m feeling, both physically and emotionally. She has an incredible way of boosting my mood without even trying. Her presence alone makes a difference.

One of the most meaningful things Taylor has done for me might seem small to others, but it meant the world to me. There were times she came into my room simply to watch me play Minecraft. She didn’t have to do that. She had countless responsibilities and patients to care for. Yet she took a few moments to sit there and show interest in something that mattered to me. That simple act made me feel seen—not just as a patient in a hospital bed, but as a person with hobbies, interests, and a life outside those four walls. She didn’t just treat my medical needs; she cared about me as a whole person.

Taylor never comes into the room with a long list of things to complain about or stress to pass along. Instead, she brings positivity. Even on what I imagine must be busy or exhausting shifts, she always greets me with warmth and calm energy. She has this natural ability to make everything feel manageable. Whenever she walks in, my mood instantly improves. That kind of emotional impact is powerful, especially in a hospital setting where emotions can run high.

One of my favorite memories with Taylor was when I wanted to buy her Starbucks as a small thank-you. I appreciated her so much and wanted to do something kind in return. But that moment showed me exactly who she is. She was so sweet and so thoughtful that she didn’t just accept the gesture—she insisted on getting me something too. That is Taylor in a nutshell. Even when someone tries to thank her, she finds a way to turn it around and keep caring for others. Her kindness is effortless and genuine. She gives without ever expecting anything back.

Since then, whenever I turn into my hospital room and see that Taylor is the one taking care of me, I immediately feel relieved. There’s a deep sense of comfort in knowing I am in the best hands possible. I trust her completely. She listens. She explains things clearly. She checks in not just on my symptoms, but on how I’m really doing. She makes me feel safe. That feeling is priceless.

Taylor represents everything the DAISY Award stands for. She demonstrates compassion in the smallest details and the biggest moments. She understands that healing is not just about medicine—it’s also about connection, encouragement, and kindness. Watching me play a game, sharing a laugh, bringing positivity into the room, or turning a simple Starbucks gesture into another act of care—these moments may seem small from the outside, but to a patient, they mean everything.

Nursing is more than a profession; it is a calling. Taylor answers that call every single day with grace, patience, and heart. She doesn’t just do her job—she transforms the experience of being in the hospital into something more bearable, and sometimes even joyful. That is rare. That is extraordinary.

For all these reasons and so many more, I wholeheartedly nominate Taylor for the DAISY Award. She is not only an exceptional nurse but also one of the sweetest, most genuine people I have ever met. She has made a lasting impact on me, and I know she does the same for so many others. Taylor truly deserves recognition for the light she brings to the lives of her patients every single day.