As the ceremony began, excitement buzzed throughout. Chief Nursing Officer Kit Bredimus captivated both his livestream and in-person audience as he began the event. “Without further ado, are we ready to announce the winner?” he asked, building anticipation. The room erupted in applause as the name was revealed: Leyla McCoy.

Leyla, caught mid-shift, emerged from a patient’s room to accept her award. The nomination that led to this moment was nothing short of brilliant. Submitted by a physician, it recounted a night when the ED team faced a critically ill patient in cardiac arrest. The situation was dire; it required rapid decision-making, teamwork, and innovative thinking.

The physician detailed how the team worked seamlessly to stabilize the patient, but it was Leyla’s leadership as the night charge nurse that stood out. As the evening’s charge nurse, she calmly assessed the situation, proposed opening the patient’s chest to relieve pressure, and provided clear, concise instructions. Her quick thinking and assertive actions ultimately led to a life-saving intervention. “This was exemplary behavior,” the physician wrote, “and I believe she deserves special recognition for her services.”

As Leyla stood before her colleagues, the room filled with cheers and admiration. Kit Bredimus presented her with the DAISY Award certificate, a bouquet of flowers, and the iconic Healer’s Touch statue—a hand-carved piece from a Zimbabwean tribe that symbolizes the healing power of nursing.

As the evening ended, Kit Bredimus addressed the crowd. “Clearly, you made an impact not only on that patient but also on your team and the provider. We thank you for your hard work and dedication.”