I would like to nominate Therese Mergen, RN, for the DAISY Award for the extraordinary compassion, courage, and professionalism she demonstrated during an unexpected, high-acuity event in our ICU.

Nursing is not a career one drifts into—it is a calling. It requires a unique combination of skill, empathy, emotional strength, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others. Some days fill us with fulfillment and joy, while others challenge us in ways we could never anticipate. On this particular day, Therese faced one of those moments that tested every facet of what it means to be a nurse, and she rose to it with remarkable grace. Barely four hours into her shift, Therese’s patient experienced a sudden, dramatic change in condition, requiring rapid action to ensure the safety of both the patient and the care team. Therese was at the forefront of this unfolding crisis. She responded immediately, going above and beyond the expected duties of a nurse. Throughout the escalation, she remained calm, focused, and intentional—ensuring the patient was protected while simultaneously keeping herself safe until additional staff could arrive to assist.

Once the situation de-escalated and Therese stepped out of the room, I had the opportunity to speak with her and offer support. What humbled me was her response: she did not express frustration, fear, or a desire to remove herself from the patient’s care. Instead, she questioned whether there was more she could have done for the patient. Her concern never wavered from that person’s well-being. After taking a brief moment to regroup, Therese returned to the unit with quiet strength and continued to provide exceptional, compassionate care—not only for the rest of that shift but also the following day. Her empathy for the patient and compassion for the family were evident in every interaction. She demonstrated extraordinary clinical skill in a crisis, and afterward, extraordinary heart.

I had the privilege of witnessing a beautiful moment as Therese said goodbye to the patient upon discharge. She embraced both the patient and their family with the same warmth, sincerity, and unwavering compassion she had shown throughout their hospitalization. It was a powerful reminder of why nurses like Therese are the very soul of healthcare. Therese exemplifies what the DAISY Award represents: clinical excellence grounded in humanity, courage in moments of crisis, and genuine compassion that lingers with patients long after they leave our care. She is an exceptional nurse who consistently lives the values of our profession. For these reasons, I am honored to nominate Therese Mergen, RN, for the DAISY Award.