Yorixy Preciado-Aguilar, BSN, RN

I would like to nominate my nurse for the DAISY Award because she made one of the hardest weeks of my life a little easier. I was in the hospital for five days after giving birth because of postpartum high blood pressure, while my newborn daughter was in the NICU for three days. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, scared, and desperately wanted to take my baby home. Throughout three consecutive night shifts, she consistently showed me kindness, compassion, and genuine care. She was someone who made me feel seen as a person. One night, after another high blood pressure reading, I felt completely defeated. The blood pressure cuffs had become a source of anxiety for me, and every reading felt discouraging. I didn't even have to say a word. She saw the look on my face and immediately recognized how overwhelmed I was. She sat with me and gave me the sweetest pep talk, reminding me that I was strong and telling me that the fact I was so worried only showed what a good mother I already was. She reassured me that, despite the high numbers, we would get through it together for my baby. Those words came at exactly the moment I needed them most, and I still think about them. She was always fun, personable, helpful, and caring, but it was her compassion that truly set her apart. She cared for my emotional well-being just as much as my physical health. On her final morning before shift change, she woke me up just to give me a hug goodbye. She told me it had been a pleasure taking care of me over those three nights and that she wished me and my family the very best. That simple act of kindness meant more than she will probably ever know. Nurses like her don't just provide medical care; they provide hope, comfort, and strength during life's most vulnerable moments. I will never forget the compassion she showed me, and I am incredibly grateful that she was my nurse during such a difficult and emotional time. She is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.