I am honored to nominate Joy Minor for the DAISY Award. Joy exemplifies the true spirit of nursing: compassion, empathy, and the ability to bring comfort during life’s most difficult moments. During my Leader Rounds, patients and families consistently recognize Joy as an exceptional caregiver and a deeply empathetic listener. One patient’s story truly captures her extraordinary impact.

This patient was enduring overwhelming challenges: severe pain from an intestinal blockage, fear of a possible cancer diagnosis, a history of depression, and dementia that compounded his anxiety and uncertainty. Understandably, he was frightened, vulnerable, and struggling emotionally. Joy was tasked with providing a soap suds enema—a procedure that can feel uncomfortable and undignified, especially for someone already burdened with fear and confusion.

From the moment Joy entered the room, everything changed. She approached him with warmth, reassurance, and genuine kindness. Sensing his anxiety, Joy used gentle humor to ease his tension and restore a sense of dignity. What happened next was remarkable—his wife shared that she had not heard him laugh in over two years due to his depression. In that moment, Joy transformed a distressing experience into one filled with laughter and hope.

Every day after that, the patient would laugh until he cried as he described the incident to others. His wife said those moments of joy were priceless and gave them both a sense of relief and normalcy during an incredibly difficult time. From then on, he eagerly looked forward to Joy’s visits—not only for her clinical expertise but for the comfort and happiness she brought into his life.

Joy’s ability to connect with patients on such a profound level demonstrates that nursing is not just about treating illness—it’s about healing hearts, restoring dignity, and bringing light into the darkest times.

Joy Minor is the embodiment of compassionate care.