Alicia is highly regarded by all staff members because she helps to lift the spirits of all those around her. She comes to the ED every day with a bright smile and a refreshing enthusiasm to assist and serve. Alicia is a team player - she routinely goes above and beyond by offering to assist in completing tasks for other patients outside of her own assignments, no matter how busy she might be. As one of our most skilled ultrasound IV-trained nurses, her technical skillset has proven essential in the resuscitation of critically ill patients to whom access was otherwise unobtainable. She is gifted with a natural intuitive sense for how a patient is doing, and knows when to escalate the situation, doing so in a respectful manner.

Lastly, and most importantly, she demonstrates an uncanny ability to connect with and build rapport with patients. As a testament to the above qualities, a particular case comes to mind, which I describe below: Alicia was caring for an elderly lady who was awaiting admission to the medical service for a lower GI bleed, when suddenly, the patient began to hemorrhage and decompensate quickly. Alicia quickly sent out a call for help, rallying multiple nurses and physicians to the bedside to aid in resuscitation. We were able to quickly resuscitate the patient, stabilize her, and control her bleeding. Alicia did a marvelous job in calming and reassuring a distressed family member who was at bedside, as well as the patient, once she became more alert. A couple of weeks later, after the patient had been discharged, she presented to the ED for a separate complaint and remembered Alicia as she walked by in the hallway, crying out, "My Angel, my angel!" Alicia stopped to connect with her and assist her with her care.

In short, Alicia is an exemplar of humanism, compassion, and caring. It is truly a privilege to work with her and to witness the incredible quality of care that she provides. Alicia, and nurses like her, are beacons of hope to their colleagues around them. She is a true DAISY Nurse.