There is no singular event that stands out to explain how great Pup is for the EMTC; his greatness shines in the minute details of his daily commitment to the department and Children's National. Pup is dedicated, honest, driven, hardworking, collaborative, loyal, and compassionate. He has never met a stranger and is not only a fantastic co-worker, but a friend many consider family. I have had the honor and privilege of working with Pup for about a year and a half. In my 10 years of nursing, I have never met anyone who can connect with children instantly the way he does. They smile, sit taller, and open up to him after a quick 'hello.' Pup still greets returning families when they come to visit from his Oncology days and is specifically requested to access ports for those he has cared for in the past. His tenure at Children's National is honorable in itself, but the connections and relationships he contributes to the care of our patients and their families are second to none.

Over the last year, Pup has continued to work countless hours overnight to support the unit-- ensuring both employees and patients are kept under his watchful eye. He provides expert care, guidance to staff, checks off any lingering managerial duties, and shows up the next day with a smile. In addition to his excellent people connection skills, taking care of his staff gets him out of bed in the morning (and in the middle of the night). He is genuinely and wholly committed to caring for each individual on a personal and professional level. He is the master of deal-making and finds a way to honor work-life balance. Pup comes in on the weekends to check in with employees he knows have been having a rough time and to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our bedside team.

Pup is a treasure to Children's, but invaluable for the EMTC. He is well loved, appreciated, and leaned on by all. Pup is deserving of the DAISY Nurse Leader award for countless reasons, and we are lucky to have him year after year.