This semi-year’s DAISY Award honoree, Tess Schumacker, truly embodies these qualities. Tess brings empathy and compassion to every interaction, taking time to listen, comfort, and connect with those in her care. “She ensures no one feels alone,” one colleague shared. “Whether calming a worried family member or holding a patient’s hand during a difficult moment, Tess makes people feel understood beyond their diagnosis.”
Her clinical excellence shines just as brightly. Having completed the open-heart class for the ICU, Tess has quickly become a go-to nurse for Saint Francis’s most critical patients, often managing complex cases with skill and composure. “What truly sets Tess apart is her ability to combine clinical excellence with genuine human connection,” her nominator wrote. “She lives out the Mission, Vision, and Values of Saint Francis in every action, inspiring those around her.”
Beyond the bedside, Tess advocates fiercely for her patients and supports her colleagues through mentorship and education. She is currently preparing to earn her CCRN certification, demonstrating her continued commitment to professional growth and excellence.
Tess is the kind of colleague who can brighten even the most challenging days, another nominator shared. “Her quick wit and warm sense of humor bring light to the unit, and her deep empathy ensures every patient and colleague feels valued and supported. The unit is stronger because she is part of it, and the lives she touches are undeniably better for it.”
Please join us in congratulating Tess Schumacker, our DAISY Award honoree, for exemplifying what it means to provide extraordinary nursing care with compassion, courage, and heart.