Jayme Smith
November 2025
Jayme
Smith
,
RN
MICU
UMC Health System
Lubbock
,
TX
United States
She stayed in frequent contact with the patient and family, providing both clinical updates and heartfelt emotional support.
I would like to nominate Jayme Smith for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary compassion, commitment, and advocacy she consistently demonstrates as a nurse in the Medical ICU at UMC. Jayme has been a nurse for many years and is one of the most deserving individuals I know for this honor.
Recently, Jayme cared for a critically ill patient for several days in the MICU and formed a close bond with the patient and their partner. After the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility, most nurses might have moved on — but not Jayme. While on vacation, she felt a deep, unshakable need to check on the patient. She reached out to the family, only to discover that the patient was deteriorating and possibly near the end of life.
Without hesitation, Jayme sprang into action. Even while away from work, she contacted a physician in the MICU and helped coordinate a new admission for the patient. On the way to the hospital, the patient went into cardiac arrest. If it had not been for Jayme's intuition, dedication, and quick coordination, the patient may not have made it back to the hospital at all.
Over the following weeks, Jayme remained closely involved in the patient’s care. She stayed in frequent contact with the patient and family, providing both clinical updates and heartfelt emotional support. When the patient ultimately made the courageous decision to transition to comfort care, Jayme was once again by their side — this time, as their final nurse. She ensured the patient passed peacefully and pain-free, and continued to provide exceptional care and comfort to the grieving partner and family members during those final moments.
Jayme exemplifies what it means to be a DAISY nurse. Her actions went far beyond clinical excellence — they were rooted in compassion, intuition, and the kind of human connection that defines the heart of nursing. UMC is truly fortunate to have her as part of the MICU team.
Recently, Jayme cared for a critically ill patient for several days in the MICU and formed a close bond with the patient and their partner. After the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility, most nurses might have moved on — but not Jayme. While on vacation, she felt a deep, unshakable need to check on the patient. She reached out to the family, only to discover that the patient was deteriorating and possibly near the end of life.
Without hesitation, Jayme sprang into action. Even while away from work, she contacted a physician in the MICU and helped coordinate a new admission for the patient. On the way to the hospital, the patient went into cardiac arrest. If it had not been for Jayme's intuition, dedication, and quick coordination, the patient may not have made it back to the hospital at all.
Over the following weeks, Jayme remained closely involved in the patient’s care. She stayed in frequent contact with the patient and family, providing both clinical updates and heartfelt emotional support. When the patient ultimately made the courageous decision to transition to comfort care, Jayme was once again by their side — this time, as their final nurse. She ensured the patient passed peacefully and pain-free, and continued to provide exceptional care and comfort to the grieving partner and family members during those final moments.
Jayme exemplifies what it means to be a DAISY nurse. Her actions went far beyond clinical excellence — they were rooted in compassion, intuition, and the kind of human connection that defines the heart of nursing. UMC is truly fortunate to have her as part of the MICU team.