I am honored to nominate Olivia Basiliere for the DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary compassion, clinical skill, and dedication to patient-centered care. I have had the pleasure of being Olivia’s instructor since her CNA class, and now again in her fourth semester, and throughout that time, she has consistently demonstrated excellence well beyond expectations.

Olivia consistently asks thoughtful questions rooted in a deeply caring nature. Not only does she achieve very high grades and ask complex, pathophysiology-based questions, but she is also consistently focused on her patients' well-being and emotional health. Her level of caring exceeds that of the average nursing student. Olivia has shared her long-term goal of becoming a nurse who provides the highest quality of care by fully understanding each patient’s medical history and presentation—something she is already actively striving toward.

During clinical experiences, Olivia goes above and beyond to ensure her patients feel heard, respected, and cared for. One particular instance stands out: while performing her morning assessment and treatments, she encountered a patient with multiple requests and demands. Olivia took the extra time to thoughtfully address every concern. Her exceptional care did not go unnoticed—both a therapy team member and the Nursing Supervisor independently brought her kindness and professionalism to my attention.

Olivia demonstrates remarkable initiative in her learning. She actively seeks feedback, collaborates effectively with the healthcare team, and approaches every situation with humility and a genuine desire to improve. She has approached me for advice on patient care situations, often describing moments where she acted as a patient advocate and sought ways to further support those in her care. Patients frequently respond positively to her warm demeanor and attentiveness, expressing gratitude for the time and compassion she provides.

Beyond her clinical work, Olivia is a natural leader among her peers. She serves as a peer mentor for the college and voluntarily meets with fellow students to help them study—something that goes beyond her formal responsibilities and reflects her commitment to supporting others. In her free time, she also volunteers to follow a nurse practitioner at Aurora, further expanding her knowledge and dedication to the profession.

What truly sets Olivia apart is her unwavering commitment to treating every patient with dignity and compassion. She embodies the spirit of nursing by recognizing that healing involves not only physical care, but also emotional support and advocacy.

I wholeheartedly believe that Olivia possesses all the qualities essential in a DAISY Award recipient. I would feel completely confident and safe having her care for me or any member of my family. Olivia represents the future of nursing in the best possible way, and I am certain she will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those she serves.