It is my privilege to nominate Zeina for a DAISY Award. Zeina is one of the most compassionate, caring, and dedicated nurses I have ever had the pleasure of working alongside. She consistently goes above and beyond for her patients, their families, and her colleagues, embodying everything that exceptional nursing represents. Zeina has a special connection with our oncology patients. She treats every patient with dignity, kindness, and genuine compassion, often finding meaningful ways to improve their experience during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

One example that stands out is when she brought a television from her own home for a patient undergoing a month-long hospitalization for chemotherapy so he could enjoy playing his favorite gaming system. The simple but thoughtful act brought comfort, normalcy, and joy to a patient facing a challenging journey. Her compassion extends especially to our hospice patients. We once cared for a patient who had been hospitalized for over a month and was nearing the end of his life.

Recognizing his wish to enjoy the outdoors one more time, Zeina tirelessly advocated for him to be safely taken outside to experience fresh air and sunshine before he passed away. This act demonstrated her commitment to honoring the patient’s dignity and quality of life, even in his final days. As our charge nurse, Zeina is an invaluable resource and mentor. She willingly shares her knowledge, supports her colleagues, and serves as a source of emotional strength for the entire team. Her leadership is grounded in kindness, patience, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.

Most recently, after a patient had been discharged, a nurse from a follow-up care line contacted our unit seeking guidance because the patient was unsure how to drain his urinary drainage bag. Rather than simply providing verbal instructions, Zeina took the extra step of recording a demonstration video to ensure the patient and caregivers could safely perform the task at home. Her willingness to go beyond what is expected exemplifies the extraordinary care she provides every day. Zeina consistently puts the needs of others before her own and makes a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team. She truly changes lives, one patient, one family, and one act of kindness at a time. Thank you, Zeina, for everything you do. You are the embodiment of compassionate nursing and exceptionally deserving of this recognition.