I am honored to nominate Ahmad Said for the DAISY Award in recognition of the extraordinary, compassionate, and deeply personalized care he provided to me as my nurse at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital.

From the moment Ahmad introduced himself, he brought calm, confidence, and a sense of genuine partnership to my care. I never felt like “just another patient” in a busy unit; I felt seen, heard, and respected. Ahmad’s thoughtful, patient-centered approach made a difficult experience more manageable and meaningful, and I am truly grateful.

What stood out most about Ahmad was his commitment to personalizing my care and valuing my input at every step. He made it clear that decisions about my treatment would be shared decisions. Each morning, he reviewed the plan for the day with me—medications, tests, mobility goals, and potential side effects—and then asked for my questions, preferences, and concerns. When I expressed anxiety about a new medication, he took the time to explain how it worked, why it was recommended, and what alternatives existed. He also reached out to the provider team to adjust the timing so I could tolerate it better. That small act of advocacy made a world of difference to my comfort and trust.

Ahmad practiced impeccable clinical vigilance without ever losing sight of the human being in the bed. He anticipated my needs, noticed subtle changes in my symptoms, and took action quickly. When my pain unexpectedly spiked one afternoon, he didn’t simply administer a medication and leave. He stayed to assess my comfort, used non-pharmacological techniques, helped me position for relief, and coordinated with the provider to adjust my regimen. He circled back frequently, never assuming that “one intervention” was enough. His diligence and follow-through kept me safe and reassured.

Communication is where Ahmad truly shines. He translated medical language into clear, accessible explanations, never condescending, always respectful. He brought a whiteboard into the conversation—writing down the daily goals, lab trends, and next steps—so I could see progress, ask informed questions, and share the plan with my family. He also made sure I had printed discharge instructions well before the day I went home, reviewing them with me so nothing felt rushed or confusing. That preparation reduced my stress and helped me transition confidently.

Ahmad embodied the core values of Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in everything he did: Reverence: He treated me with dignity, addressed me by name, and consistently asked permission before any intervention. He honored my preferences, including quiet moments for rest and reflection. Service of the Poor: He demonstrated a heart for service by going beyond his tasks—bringing me warm blankets, ensuring I had what I needed when my family couldn’t be present, and checking on a roommate who had no visitors. Integrity: He was transparent, honest, and dependable. If he said he would return in 20 minutes, he did. If he didn’t know an answer, he found it and followed up. Wisdom: He used sound clinical judgment, monitored trends, and consulted the team proactively. His recommendations were thoughtful and individualized. Creativity: He found practical solutions—adjusting routines around my pain patterns, coordinating therapy sessions when I had the most energy, and suggesting small changes that improved my comfort. Dedication: He showed steadfast commitment, even on the busiest days. I never felt like an interruption; I felt like a priority.

I also want to highlight Ahmad’s compassionate presence. On a night when I felt overwhelmed, he pulled up a chair, sat at eye level, and listened. He encouraged me to express my fears and hopes without rushing to “fix” them. He offered to call the chaplain when I asked for spiritual support and made sure I had time and privacy to pray. That holistic care—the mind, body, and spirit—reflected the mission of Ascension in a tangible way. Ahmad is a true team player. I watched him collaborate seamlessly with physicians, therapists, and aides. He advocated for earlier physical therapy so I could meet mobility milestones and be discharged safely. He communicated changes promptly during shift handoffs, ensuring continuity and safety. The respect he shows to his colleagues is reflected back to him, and that mutual trust benefits patients.

When I left the hospital, I felt prepared and supported. Ahmad reviewed every detail of my discharge plan—medications, warning signs, follow-up appointments, and resources. He made sure I had supplies and knew who to call with questions. That thoroughness prevented confusion and gave me confidence to continue healing at home.

In every interaction, Ahmad demonstrated the heart of nursing—skill fused with compassion, advocacy blended with humility, and leadership grounded in service. He transformed my hospitalization from a frightening event into an experience of partnership, safety, and hope. For his exceptional commitment to personalized care, his unwavering respect for patient voice, and his embodiment of Ascension St. Vincent Hospital’s values, I wholeheartedly nominate Ahmad Said for the DAISY Award. He is the kind of nurse who changes lives, one compassionate moment at a time.