I can't even begin to express how beautiful Mrs. Holly's heart and soul are. She wears it on her sleeve. She touches the lives of each and every patient and person she comes in contact with. I know she has mine.

I have always wanted to nominate her for the DAISY Award, but I felt like I could never put into words how amazing she is. I do know that she deserves it. She goes above and beyond the "duties" of a nurse. She exemplifies what I wish all nurses would be.

Even with my extreme anxiety about medical care, Mrs. Holly's calm demeanor has always made me feel at ease. Her kind words and warm smile made me feel heard and cared for. She took the time to relate to me and build the rapport needed for me to trust her. And believe me, that wasn't easy, but she was 100% professional and never gave up.

Over the nine years Mrs. Holly has been my nurse, she has helped guide me through more than a dozen medical diagnoses. Not only is she dedicated and knowledgeable about each and every one of them, but she has also shown patience and understanding with every question I have asked. More than anything, she has shown love and kindness while helping me through every emotion I have gone through.

Over the nine years, there was a year or so break when she left to earn her RN-BSN. My heart was broken. But then one day I went in for an appointment, and I automatically felt the warmth in the atmosphere. She was back, and she had not forgotten a fact about me. She remembered everything I had ever told her, and she asked about it all. To me, that just shows how much she truly cares.

Sadly, Mrs. Holly is no longer my nurse. My doctor went part-time (well deserved), and she lost Holly during that transition. Which stinks, because they couldn't have been a better team.

Even though she is no longer my nurse, she has told me I can always reach out to her anytime I need her. I have requested to talk to her multiple times since then, and she has always called me within a few hours.

Over the years, she has educated my spouse and me on all of my diagnoses. She has supported me through multiple mental health emergencies by getting me where I needed to be while showing me love and the utmost respect. She has never judged me.

She has made time for me between appointments to show me how to bandage my wounds, even when I didn't have an appointment. The support she shows me is unmatched, and I hope the words I'm using show that. I pray I didn't do her an injustice by missing so many things she has done for me.

She deserves this award. I am so blessed to have had her as my nurse for so many years. 

Thank you, Holly.