Nursing for many is a career, but for a select few, it's a calling. If you're fortunate enough, you get to be a colleague or a patient with one of those select few. These nurses are in it for their team, for their patients, and for the families of their patients, and exemplify everything DAISY stands for. During my grandmother's stay, we were able to encounter many wonderful nurses, techs, secretaries, EVS, and food service staff. Ryan, who exemplifies all of the amazing qualities, character traits, knowledge, and expertise needed to be the best of the best in his field and life, is part of the select few where nursing is his calling.

Ryan embodies what it means to care for life and family in how he supports his team, his patients, and their families. Ryan often was my grandmother's nurse during her 6-week stay. Despite her Alzheimer's diagnosis, Ryan treated her with dignity, respect, kindness, and empathy. Ryan has the gift of compassion, which is not something that can be taught, and it made my grandmother feel safe. When leaving the room, Ryan always finished by getting down on her level and asking, "J, you know what my most important question is. Is there anything you need or want before I go?" And finished with a promise of when he would return.

Ryan didn't just take care of Gram, he also would check in on me as her family. On a particularly rough day, Ryan asked how I was doing. When I told him that it had been over 3 weeks and that I was tired and needed a break, he responded in the most genuine way, "I'm here tomorrow and will be her nurse. I promise to take the best care of her and call if something changes." Ryan took care of both of us that day. We also saw how Ryan supports the team on Sands 6, and no matter how hard the day, he is there with a smile and a positive approach to what can be a physically and emotionally challenging role. Ryan truly exemplifies what DAISY stands for.