It is with great honor and heartfelt admiration that I nominate Megan Cornelius, RN, for the prestigious DAISY Award. Megan exemplifies the essence of nursing through her extraordinary compassion, clinical expertise, and unwavering dedication to her patients and colleagues. She is not only a nurse but a beacon of hope, comfort, and kindness to everyone she encounters. The DAISY Award was established to recognize nurses who provide extraordinary care, compassion, and skill, often going above and beyond their call of duty. Megan embodies every quality this award represents. Her actions consistently reflect the highest standards of nursing excellence, making her a truly deserving candidate. Megan's impact as a Hematology/Oncology nurse is profound. I have had the privilege of working alongside her in both inpatient and outpatient settings, where she demonstrates unparalleled dedication to her patients. Her ability to provide life-saving critical care in high-pressure situations is matched only by her capacity for genuine empathy and tenderness. Megan's patients are not just recipients of medical care; they are treated with dignity, respect, and heartfelt compassion.


One particular instance stands out as a testament to Megan's extraordinary character. Recently, a patient we both cared for faced the end of his battle with cancer. Without family or close friends to support him, this patient had come to see his medical team as his closest companions. When he transitioned to comfort care, Megan selflessly gave of her personal time on a Sunday to visit him with me at the hospital. She provided the patient with reassurance, comfort, and an undeniable sense of worth during his final hours. Her presence brought peace not only to the patient but also to me as her colleague. The next day, we learned that he had passed away. Because of Megan, he passed knowing that he was valued and loved. This act of kindness epitomizes what it means to be a nurse — someone who provides not just medical care but also emotional and spiritual support during life's most vulnerable moments. Megan's willingness to sacrifice her time with family to stroke a dying patient's head speaks volumes about his/her character and commitment to nursing. This act of kindness is just one example among many that illustrate Megan's commitment to her patients and profession. Her daily interactions are marked by moments of compassion and dedication, each leaving a lasting impact on those around her. Megan's daily practice reflects the core values celebrated by the DAISY Foundation: Compassion, sensitivity, excellence, and humanity. She recognizes both the obvious and subtle needs of her patients and those of her colleagues alike. Whether it's through her skilled clinical techniques or her calming presence during difficult conversations, she leaves a lasting impact on everyone around her.