I started my journey in Marikina Valley in 2022. I was a nurse associate at that time, and from the very first day I worked with her, she became my model nurse. I saw how dedicated she is to her work and how compassionate she is with her patients. Despite witnessing how busy the shift was, she always ensures that all her patients are doing well. I was mesmerized by how she handles things, from multitasking while ensuring high-quality care for her patients. 

There is one moment I will never forget—one that made me say to myself, “I want to be that kind of nurse someday.” She was caring for a cancer patient and noticed that the patient was deteriorating. She immediately called the JCON to assess, and multiple orders were given. Despite the urgency, she handled everything like a pro. I remember the patient’s relatives thanking her and saying they wished all nurses were like her—compassionate and optimistic. I witnessed firsthand how she cared for her patients as if they were her own family. Even back when I was still a nurse associate, she taught me so much.

And when I passed my board exam and became a nurse, I was very nervous but at the same time glad that she was my preceptor. She taught me how to prioritize things, to always do what is right, and to treat every patient as family. Now that she is a head nurse, she continues to remind not just me but also her subordinates of the same values.

As I step into a bigger role as a charge nurse, she remains my inspiration—to be a better leader every day, to support nurses when times are tough, and to stand with them in situations where they are humiliated or insulted. At the same time, she has shown me what it means to be a strong leader who knows where to stand in complicated situations.

This DAISY Award is just a small way to thank her for everything she has done—not only for her patients but also for the people she mentors and works with. I hope this recognition reflects the impact she has made through the years.