I would like to nominate Mariam Hussein for the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary compassion, dedication, and patient-centered care.

Mariam cared for a young, healthy patient admitted with chest pain who was scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Despite his physical fitness and overall presenting health, the patient was alarmed to learn his ejection fraction was only 30%, was confused and anxious about the procedure, and what it meant for him.

Mariam went far beyond the expected standard of care. Not only did she provide printed educational materials, but she also handwrote a thorough guide explaining every aspect of the cardiac catheterization process. She detailed what to expect, why the procedure was necessary, what the patient would experience during it, possible provider actions based on findings, and post-procedure care. She then sat down with the patient for over an hour, walking him through everything with patience and empathy.

During leader rounds, the patient shared this experience with me and proudly showed the materials Mariam had prepared. He expressed how much calmer and reassured he felt after their conversation, saying, “I was so confused, but after talking with Mariam, I feel so much better. I know everything is going to be okay.”

Mariam’s actions exemplify the spirit of nursing and the mission of the DAISY Award. Her compassion, initiative, and commitment to patient education made a profound difference