Erin Rogala
July 2025
Erin
Rogala
,
BSN, TCRN, CFRN, CEN, TNS
Pediatric Trauma
University of Chicago Medicine
Chicago
,
IL
United States
She ensures that every child receives the safest, most comprehensive care possible, not just within our walls, but across our broader system of care.
It is with immense respect and deep admiration that I nominate Erin Rogala for the DAISY Award. In every sense of the word, she is an extraordinary nurse, a quiet force whose unwavering commitment to pediatric patients, dedication to trauma education and prevention, and tireless support for colleagues truly sets her apart. In a world where compassion can be fleeting and burnout is all too common, Erin stands as a radiant example of what it means to be the heart of healthcare.
As our Pediatric Trauma Coordinator, she approaches her role not as a title, but as a mission. She advocates for children in moments of unspeakable vulnerability. Whether it’s an off-hours discussion regarding a complex need, organizing hospital-wide training, or coordinating with the ED, she is the steady, expert presence we all rely on. She builds bridges between teams and across both adult and pediatric patients, even during their most trying times. She ensures that every child receives the safest, most comprehensive care possible, not just within our walls, but across our broader system of care.
Her advocacy, however, doesn't stop at the bedside. Erin is a passionate champion for trauma prevention. She dedicates countless hours advocating to ensure these efforts reach those who need them most. What makes Erin truly exceptional, though, is her selfless nature and the grace with which she lifts others. She is the first to offer help when someone is overwhelmed, to share knowledge without ego, and to provide emotional support when the weight of our work becomes too heavy. She intuitively senses when someone is struggling and quietly steps in to shoulder the burden. Her ability to support others, with kindness, humility, and clinical excellence, is unmatched. Her deep well of expertise as a former flight nurse only elevates her impact. Her clinical acumen is exceptional, sharpened by high-stakes, high-pressure environments. Yet she wears that experience not as armor, but as a beacon, illuminating best practices, offering guidance, and calmly navigating even the most chaotic situations. She never seeks recognition for her work, but the ripple effect of her presence is felt by every colleague, patient, and family she encounters.
During my time working in pediatric care, Erin is one of the finest nurses I have ever had the privilege to work alongside. She embodies the very essence of nursing skill, heart, strength, and an unrelenting drive to make things better for others. She doesn’t just care for patients, she transforms systems, builds teams, and elevates all of us. If ever a nurse were deserving of the DAISY Award, it is Erin. She is not only a steward of clinical excellence but a soul deeply rooted in compassion and service. We are all better, and our patients are safer, because of her.
As our Pediatric Trauma Coordinator, she approaches her role not as a title, but as a mission. She advocates for children in moments of unspeakable vulnerability. Whether it’s an off-hours discussion regarding a complex need, organizing hospital-wide training, or coordinating with the ED, she is the steady, expert presence we all rely on. She builds bridges between teams and across both adult and pediatric patients, even during their most trying times. She ensures that every child receives the safest, most comprehensive care possible, not just within our walls, but across our broader system of care.
Her advocacy, however, doesn't stop at the bedside. Erin is a passionate champion for trauma prevention. She dedicates countless hours advocating to ensure these efforts reach those who need them most. What makes Erin truly exceptional, though, is her selfless nature and the grace with which she lifts others. She is the first to offer help when someone is overwhelmed, to share knowledge without ego, and to provide emotional support when the weight of our work becomes too heavy. She intuitively senses when someone is struggling and quietly steps in to shoulder the burden. Her ability to support others, with kindness, humility, and clinical excellence, is unmatched. Her deep well of expertise as a former flight nurse only elevates her impact. Her clinical acumen is exceptional, sharpened by high-stakes, high-pressure environments. Yet she wears that experience not as armor, but as a beacon, illuminating best practices, offering guidance, and calmly navigating even the most chaotic situations. She never seeks recognition for her work, but the ripple effect of her presence is felt by every colleague, patient, and family she encounters.
During my time working in pediatric care, Erin is one of the finest nurses I have ever had the privilege to work alongside. She embodies the very essence of nursing skill, heart, strength, and an unrelenting drive to make things better for others. She doesn’t just care for patients, she transforms systems, builds teams, and elevates all of us. If ever a nurse were deserving of the DAISY Award, it is Erin. She is not only a steward of clinical excellence but a soul deeply rooted in compassion and service. We are all better, and our patients are safer, because of her.