I would like to nominate Nurse Tiffany Pohl for the DAISY Award for her extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and dedication. She cared for my sister in the MICU during the end stages of her cancer and went far beyond what was expected—not only for my sister but for me and my entire family.

From the very beginning, Tiffany treated my sister with dignity and respect, speaking to her as a person rather than just a patient. She noticed my stress and exhaustion and made a genuine effort to care for me as well. She would sit with me at my sister’s bedside, listen while I cried, offer words of comfort, and simply be present when I felt completely alone. Even while caring for other patients, she always made time to check on me, making me feel supported.

When I shared that I was going to nursing school, she patiently explained every treatment and procedure, step by step. Her guidance inspired me to pursue something I never thought I wanted to do: become an ICU nurse. Through her example, I saw how a nurse can combine skill, knowledge, and humanity to truly make a difference.

Tiffany also understood the challenges my family faced outside the hospital. She knew my sister had two young children and that I was caring for them while managing my mother’s health crisis. She consistently asked about the children and about me, showing genuine concern. When I didn’t know how to tell the children about their mother’s condition, she immediately arranged a meeting with a social worker from the children’s hospital, and later returned with books to help explain cancer and the importance of connection.

Even in moments of immense sorrow, Tiffany never treated my sister or me as helpless or invisible. She treated my sister with warmth and respect, acknowledging her humanity. Through her care and support, she helped me navigate grief and overwhelming stress.

Nurse Tiffany Pohl embodies the heart of nursing. She went above and beyond for my family and inspired me to follow in her footsteps as an ICU nurse.