Every staff member on our unit knows how truly big Oanh’s heart is. At the bedside, Oanh has an extraordinary ability to lift patients’ spirits through humor, a warm smile, and a genuine listening ear. One patient beautifully described Oanh as “a balance of high technical competence, empathy, and warmth in interactions.” That balance is exactly what defines Oanh’s practice.

Oanh is widely viewed as a role model by peers. Colleagues routinely seek out Oanh for guidance, reassurance, and clinical insight when faced with uncertainty. Oanh is the teammate everyone wants by their side—professional, positive, and deeply compassionate. Patients and families consistently describe feeling seen, safe, and cared for as if they were family. One powerful example of Oanh’s dedication occurred while caring for a newly diagnosed diabetic patient who was anxious and overwhelmed by the prospect of blood sugar monitoring and insulin administration at home. Recognizing the patient’s fear, the nurse sat down at the bedside with patience and compassion, demonstrated proper use of the glucometer, explained each step in simple terms, and carefully guided the patient through insulin administration. Education was repeated as many times as needed, with continuous encouragement and reassurance. What could have been a frightening and discouraging moment instead became one of empowerment and confidence—because Oanh went beyond basic requirements and truly cared for the person behind the diagnosis.

Leadership also extends far beyond the bedside. As a past chair of the unit-based council, Oanh championed fall-prevention initiatives that helped the unit achieve a fall rate below the organizational goal. Oanh consistently mentors new nurses, provides thoughtful peer feedback, and organizes team gatherings that strengthen morale and connection.

Oanh is deeply committed to supporting colleagues. For two consecutive years, leadership was taken in organizing Nurses Week and PCA Week celebrations, as well as handwritten thank-you cards recognizing the unit’s leadership team—ensuring everyone felt valued and appreciated. A nurse resident once shared how Oanh compassionately supported them through the emotional challenge of experiencing their first patient death. Despite not being the primary preceptor, Oanh offered resources, follow-up, and a safe space to process the experience. More recently, after noticing a peer struggling following a difficult patient outcome, Oanh took time on a day off to visit the colleague at home, providing empathy, understanding, and emotional support during a vulnerable moment.

Beyond the hospital, Oanh regularly volunteers at community events serving underserved populations and actively encourages teammates to give back as well. Whether mentoring, leading, teaching, or serving, Oanh consistently elevates others.

Though never seeking recognition for many acts of caring and servitude, Oanh’s ability to care for both the physical wellbeing and emotional healing of others is what makes them truly deserving of this honor. Oanh embodies the very heart of nursing, exemplifying the compassion, integrity, advocacy, and excellence celebrated by the DAISY Award.