DAISY LEADER MERI.  I would like to nominate a nursing leader who exemplifies what it means to "Make Health Better," and whose actions continue to set the standard for compassionate, patient-focused care in our community.

Last week, I was evaluating a patient who is well known to our department, hospital, and to this nurse leader. During this visit, the patient had just completed in-room hemodialysis. Unfortunately, the patient and his husband experienced judgmental remarks from the hemodialysis RN regarding their lifestyle. This was understandably upsetting for them, though I was not aware of the incident at the time.

Unaware of the prior interaction, Meri entered the room to assist me with patient care, including positioning and cleaning. She immediately engaged with both the patient and his husband, ensuring they felt heard and supported. Upon learning about their concerns, she took it upon herself to discuss professional care expectations with the HD RN, emphasizing the importance of respectful and inclusive communication with all patients. Meri addressed the situation with sensitivity and urgency, acknowledging the dignity of the patient and his husband. She sincerely apologized for the experience they had, affirming that such judgmental comments had no place when the focus should be on healing and recovery. Her actions made the patient and his family feel seen, respected, and cared for.

After Meri left the room, both the patient and his husband expressed their deep appreciation for how the situation was handled. They shared their gratitude enthusiastically, stating that the care they receive from our nursing and rehab teams is "exemplary"—far better than anywhere else, especially compared to their experiences at other facilities like St. John. As someone who witnessed this interaction firsthand, I was equally impressed by her professionalism and empathy. This leader's commitment to addressing concerns promptly and with genuine compassion left a lasting positive impression on both the family and me.