I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Karen Buckley for the DAISY Nurse Educator Award. With an impressive 42-year career in nursing, the last 15 of which have been dedicated to nursing education here, Karen consistently embodies the qualities of an exceptional nurse educator and has profoundly impacted countless students, nurses, PCAs, and the patients they serve. Her unwavering dedication to providing remarkable patient experiences, delivering compassionate care, and fostering a spirit of teamwork makes her a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition. Karen's 42 years of experience provide a rich foundation for her exceptional teaching. She brings a wealth of practical knowledge and real-world insights to the classroom, enriching her students' understanding of complex medical situations. Her commitment to providing a remarkable patient experience is evident in her student-centered teaching approach. She instills in her students the importance of seeing patients as individuals with unique needs and perspectives. She encourages critical thinking and empowers her students to advocate for their patients, ensuring they receive holistic and personalized care. I’ve witnessed firsthand how Karen's orientees, under her guidance, develop strong communication and empathy skills, which translate directly into positive patient interactions and improved patient satisfaction.

Beyond technical skills, Karen emphasizes the critical role of compassion in nursing. She inspires her staff to go above and beyond, providing extraordinary, compassionate care that addresses not only physical ailments but also the emotional and spiritual well-being of their patients. Karen leads by example, demonstrating genuine empathy and respect in every interaction and fostering a culture of caring within her classrooms and clinical settings. She teaches her students to recognize and honor the human spirit with dignity and respect, creating a safe and healing environment for all.

Karen has been instrumental in the success of the RN residency program at NSUH for the past 9 years. Her leadership and expertise in developing and implementing this program have been invaluable in supporting new nurses as they transition into professional practice. It was adopted across the Northwell Health System. This program, under Karen's guidance, has become a model for excellence in onboarding and nurturing new nursing talent. Karen is a true role model of excellence and teamwork. Her passion for nursing is contagious and motivates her students to strive for the highest standards of professional practice. She actively fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging orientees to support and learn from each other. Karen consistently partners with team members, including fellow educators, clinicians, and support staff, to exceed patient and family expectations. Her collaborative spirit creates a strong and supportive network that benefits everyone involved in patient care. She is a true leader and mentor, inspiring future generations of nurses to provide outstanding patient care.

For these reasons, I strongly believe that Karen Buckley exemplifies the qualities recognized by the DAISY Nurse Educator Award. With her extensive experience, unwavering compassion, and significant contributions to nursing education, she is a remarkable educator whose dedication and leadership have made a profound and lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and the countless patients they serve. I wholeheartedly recommend her for this prestigious honor.