Elizabeth is an RN working with us for more than five years. She started on our telemetry unit and built her skill set to transfer to critical care. She is patient, conscientious, kind, and humble. During the workday, she performs diligently to care for her assigned patients while supporting the nurses working her shift. She accepts responsibility with grace and assures communication of concerns related to direct patient care through the appropriate channels in a professional manner. She leads through example and quietly works to direct her peers to our core values.

I am always impressed with the manner in which she carries her charge responsibilities in the ICU. She is always calm and keeps our patients as the priority in her daily work. Elizabeth is recognized by leaders and peers as a nurse whom others should follow. Her manager stated, "She gets the assignment she should get, always. Either the patient or their family needs her." She provides them with the support and care necessary to continue their stay and healing. This approach to care is consistent. Not one patient is held above another. This nurse exemplifies the qualities set forth by the DAISY program.

During those years working on Tele I knew her and knew her story, but not until she moved into ICU did I really know the real Elizabeth, the nurse Elizabeth, the friend Elizabeth, the mother Elizabeth, the perfectionist Elizabeth. I along with my coworkers see the dedication to her patients and families daily. She always seems to get assigned the patients who need her the most. There are many patient experiences with her that come to mind, but one specifically happened recently.

This patient was very sick, and we did not know if she would survive our shift. Elizabeth was her nurse, and not only did she compassionately care for the patient, but she also cared for her family. She took care of the patient as if she were her own family. She was at her bedside all day and ensured that she was comfortable. She cared for the family as if they were her own and compassionately walked them through what was probably one of the scariest days of their lives. They complimented her kind nature, compassion, understanding, and how well she cared for their mother. They said that they were not worried because Elizabeth was with her. Her heart shines through daily and her patients and families consistently feel it.

Elizabeth has integrity; she always does the right thing whether people are watching or not. Elizabeth gets to work on time and is always ready and very professional with everyone. She is there for the patients. She is a team player and a role model to others. Even during dark times in her life, she is always poised and giving of herself to patients and coworkers. I look up to Elizabeth as I know many others do as well. Elizabeth is the SERVICE that is spoken of with these awards. Elizabeth is valued by all members of the healthcare team.