The latter stages of painful bone cancer dominated a patient's life. But one visitor watched as a special nurse, Andrea Gutierrez, who despite being understaffed on the floor, "stepped in when she was most needed, and with authority, poise, grace and compassion provided exemplary care and comfort to the patient."

The visitor was so moved that he nominated her for the DAISY Award. He continued with high praise for Andrea: "she moved slowly, spoke softly and made eye contact with the patient, asking in the kindest manner, what he was feeling. She also acknowledged me and the other visitors who came and went throughout the day. Andrea's skill and knowledge were certainly evident, but it was her extraordinary compassionate bedside manner that so impressed and reassured me. She truly has a gift that I would like to think can be taught and I hope that this nurse will be used to help others learn to care as much as she does."