I am honored to recognize Kristina Hutton, APRN, for her exceptional contributions to patient care, education, and the advancement of nursing practice at University Medical Center of Southern Nevada.

Kristina has served as the Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Registered Nurse for the past five years, and during that time, she has been instrumental in coordinating and managing care for our complex neurosurgical patients. Her clinical expertise, critical thinking, and ability to communicate across interdisciplinary teams ensure that patients receive timely, compassionate, and high-quality care.

In addition to her clinical excellence, Kristina is deeply committed to the education and mentorship of future healthcare providers. She regularly precepts nurse practitioner students, providing them with a solid foundation in both clinical skills and professional development.

She also contributes significantly to the education of our neurosurgery residents, helping to bridge the gap between nursing and physician practice with collaboration, insight, and mutual respect.

Kristina is truly a wonderful nurse, intelligent, compassionate, and always going above and beyond to support her patients, colleagues, and students. Her dedication to the nursing profession and the neurosurgical team at UMC is both admirable and inspiring.

She embodies the values and spirit of the DAISY Award, and I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than Kristina Hutt