I first met Nancy on my interview date in 2020. When I arrived to KP16, Nancy very quickly made me feel comfortable. She didn’t focus on the technicalities of my resume, but instead spoke to me, human to human, and got to know what was important to me. She highlighted the fact I was a lifeguard and shared with me that her daughter was one, too. She walked me through the halls of KP16, introducing me to nurses who would soon become my colleagues and friends. She put me at ease and I knew—whether I got the job or not—I would always remember the kindness she showed me that day.
   
Fortunately, I was hired. Unfortunately, just one week later, the world shut down with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
   
I started in a COVID ICU as a brand-new nurse. Through the uncertainty, fear, and emotional whirlwind of those early days, Nancy was a source of reassurance. Every morning, she steadied us, her presence a grounding force in the chaos. She checked in on us constantly and made sure we had the support we needed. No matter how overwhelmed we felt, Nancy never let us face it alone. For the two years I spent on night shift as an anxious, perfectionist new nurse, I often found myself in her office at 6 in the morning when she arrived on the unit, replaying my decisions, seeking validation. But Nancy never simply told me if I was right or wrong—she guided me, helping me develop the critical thinking and confidence I needed to grow as a nurse and as a person.
   
Nancy cultivates an environment where we are empowered to grow, whether as charge nurses, preceptors, committee members, or by climbing the clinical ladder. Her ability to pair preceptors and orientees is unparalleled, helping us discover our own strengths and potential and to make long-lasting connections. If nurses choose to advance their careers and become nurse practitioners, many continue to visit the unit—if not work on it. Four nurses whom Nancy hired and trained are now KP16 Neurosurgical ICU NPs, a testament to the supportive and inspiring work environment she has created, one that people want to remain a part of.
   
She motivates us to provide the best care for our patients and strive for personal growth. She is always introducing new ideas for unit-based projects for us, encourages us to think outside the box, and supports teamwork to ensure the highest quality care is provided. When mistakes happen, Nancy reflects on them with a firmness not to reprimand, but to push us all to be better and learn from them. 
   
Her door is always open. She fosters a culture of inclusion, ensuring that every nurse who floats to KP16 feels welcomed. Time and time again, they leave saying, “You guys are all so nice,” “I had the best shift here,” and even one Nursing Resource Team RN saying “Every time I leave here, I’m so happy and feel like I’m a good nurse- it reminds me of why I became a nurse,” a true reflection of the positive, supportive unit culture Nancy has built.
   
Nancy’s leadership extends far beyond the walls of KP16. When I lost my grandfather and moved in with my grandmother to become her caregiver, Nancy was there to listen and understand. And when I told her I was thinking of advancing my career and applying to CRNA school, she didn’t hesitate to support and encourage me. Nancy isn’t just a leader during work hours—she is an integral part of our lives. She is invited to every wedding, every baby shower, every big moment because she has made a lasting impact on us all. 
   
Nancy doesn’t just manage—she leads. She creates an environment where nurses stay for 10, 15, 20, and 30+ years because they know they are valued. She embodies what it truly means to be a transformational leader, and I wholeheartedly believe she is a true DAISY Nurse Leader.