I would like to nominate Denise McGuiness Brown for the DAISY Award. I recently transferred from the inpatient hematology/oncology/BMT floor to the outpatient oncology clinic. As I begin this new chapter, I have been focused on learning the outpatient workflows and gaining confidence in nursing skills unique to this setting, including port access and various chemotherapy agent injections.

Today, Denise went above and beyond to help me grow. Not only did she take time out of her busy day to teach and guide me through the process step by step, but she also allowed me to access her port during her own routine lab appointment. This act of trust and selflessness was profoundly humble. Her willingness to put herself in a vulnerable position so that I could gain essential hands-on experience speaks volumes about her character and dedication to nursing. She embodies what it means to be both a caregiver and a colleague. In that moment, she wasn’t just teaching me a skill; she was modeling empathy, teamwork, and bravery in the most human way possible.

We often speak about how nursing is more than just tasks; it’s about connection, mentorship, and heart, especially with the special patient population we work with. Denise exemplifies all of that and more. She turned a routine learning opportunity into something deeply meaningful, and I will carry that moment with me throughout my career. She is a true DAISY Nurse.