July 2025
Emily
Schwager
,
RN
Labor & Delivery
Pennsylvania Hospital - Penn Medicine
Philadelphia
,
PA
United States
For three decades, this extraordinary nurse has exemplified what it means to provide compassionate, expert nursing care at UNC Nash. As a master's-prepared nurse with specialty certification in wound, ostomy, and continence care, she consistently elevates the standard of practice through clinical excellence, education, and mentorship. Her dedication to patients, families, and colleagues reflects the true spirit of nursing and embodies the values recognized by the DAISY Award.
Throughout her 30 years of service, she has become a trusted clinical leader and an invaluable resource across the organization. She teaches evidence-based wound and ostomy care to patients, families, and staff, ensuring that individuals facing complex medical challenges receive the knowledge and confidence necessary to manage their care. Her ability to translate complex clinical information into compassionate, understandable education has improved outcomes and empowered countless patients during vulnerable moments in their lives.
One particularly powerful example of her impact occurred when she cared for a patient newly diagnosed with cancer who required a permanent ostomy. The patient was overwhelmed, frightened, and emotionally withdrawn. Rather than simply completing the clinical task at hand, this nurse made it her mission to ensure the patient felt supported and capable. She sat with the patient and family daily, answering questions, addressing fears, and providing reassurance. She developed a personalized education plan that allowed the patient to gradually build confidence in managing their ostomy. By the time of discharge, the patient who once felt defeated now felt empowered and prepared for the road ahead. Her compassionate presence transformed a life-altering diagnosis into an experience marked by dignity, education, and hope.
Her influence extends far beyond individual patient encounters. She serves as a mentor to new graduate nurses, helping them build clinical confidence and a strong professional foundation. Her colleagues frequently seek her guidance, knowing they will be met with respect, encouragement, and deep clinical wisdom. She collaborates closely with surgeons and physicians, bridging interdisciplinary gaps and advocating for holistic, patient-centered care.
Her commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her practice. Certified in BLS, ACLS, and PALS, she models clinical expertise and professionalism for the entire care team. She regularly adjusts her schedule to meet surgeons in the operating room for complex cases, often arriving early or staying late to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Her dedication demonstrates that nursing is not simply a job for her, but a calling rooted in service and compassion.
Beyond the hospital walls, she also serves as a community liaison for ostomy management, supporting patients and families as they navigate life-changing procedures. Through education, empathy, and advocacy, she ensures that no patient faces this journey alone.
After 30 years of unwavering service, she remains a pillar of strength, wisdom, and compassion within UNC Nash. Her passion for education, her commitment to patient dignity, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of nurses represent the very best of the nursing profession. She is deeply deserving of recognition through the DAISY Award for the extraordinary difference she continues to make in the lives of patients, families, and colleagues every day.
Throughout her 30 years of service, she has become a trusted clinical leader and an invaluable resource across the organization. She teaches evidence-based wound and ostomy care to patients, families, and staff, ensuring that individuals facing complex medical challenges receive the knowledge and confidence necessary to manage their care. Her ability to translate complex clinical information into compassionate, understandable education has improved outcomes and empowered countless patients during vulnerable moments in their lives.
One particularly powerful example of her impact occurred when she cared for a patient newly diagnosed with cancer who required a permanent ostomy. The patient was overwhelmed, frightened, and emotionally withdrawn. Rather than simply completing the clinical task at hand, this nurse made it her mission to ensure the patient felt supported and capable. She sat with the patient and family daily, answering questions, addressing fears, and providing reassurance. She developed a personalized education plan that allowed the patient to gradually build confidence in managing their ostomy. By the time of discharge, the patient who once felt defeated now felt empowered and prepared for the road ahead. Her compassionate presence transformed a life-altering diagnosis into an experience marked by dignity, education, and hope.
Her influence extends far beyond individual patient encounters. She serves as a mentor to new graduate nurses, helping them build clinical confidence and a strong professional foundation. Her colleagues frequently seek her guidance, knowing they will be met with respect, encouragement, and deep clinical wisdom. She collaborates closely with surgeons and physicians, bridging interdisciplinary gaps and advocating for holistic, patient-centered care.
Her commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of her practice. Certified in BLS, ACLS, and PALS, she models clinical expertise and professionalism for the entire care team. She regularly adjusts her schedule to meet surgeons in the operating room for complex cases, often arriving early or staying late to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Her dedication demonstrates that nursing is not simply a job for her, but a calling rooted in service and compassion.
Beyond the hospital walls, she also serves as a community liaison for ostomy management, supporting patients and families as they navigate life-changing procedures. Through education, empathy, and advocacy, she ensures that no patient faces this journey alone.
After 30 years of unwavering service, she remains a pillar of strength, wisdom, and compassion within UNC Nash. Her passion for education, her commitment to patient dignity, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of nurses represent the very best of the nursing profession. She is deeply deserving of recognition through the DAISY Award for the extraordinary difference she continues to make in the lives of patients, families, and colleagues every day.