08/09/2026
Congratulations to Lydia, who recently received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses! She was nominated by a colleague.
Read an excerpt from the nomination:
Lydia once joked with me, "You have to stop writing me Above & Beyond nominations," after I submitted another one on her behalf. She's partly right — her consistent compassion and exceptional care deserve recognition on a much larger stage.
Lydia joined our ICU a few years ago, starting on nights before moving to days. I've had the privilege of working alongside her the entire time. We've cared for patients side by side, handed off countless patients to one another, and supported each other through some of the most challenging situations in critical care. Throughout it all, I've seen the same steady professionalism, kindness, and genuine compassion.
On the days I teach nursing students in the ICU, I often step back and observe my colleagues. I watch the interactions that aren't documented in a chart — the body language, the quiet conversations, and the small moments that define truly exceptional nursing. Those are the moments when Lydia stands out.
One patient came to the hospital expecting a routine procedure, but unexpected complications quickly turned into a life-threatening situation. The patient's family was caught completely off guard and suddenly faced impossible decisions.
While caring for the patient, Lydia also cared for the family. One day, I walked by the room and saw her sitting beside the patient's loved one, simply listening. She gave them the time and space to share their fears, frustrations, and heartbreak. She wasn't rushing to the next task or looking at the clock. She was fully present. When the conversation ended, the family member hugged Lydia — a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest gift a nurse can offer is compassion. In that moment, Lydia wasn't just providing medical care; she was providing comfort, strength, and hope.
Another experience showed the same attention to detail. A patient arrived after being transferred from another hospital without an item they needed for basic daily comfort. It wasn't something our unit typically had available. The next morning, Lydia came to work with the item she had brought from home so her patient could have it. It may seem like a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. She noticed a need, remembered it, and took the extra step to make sure her patient was cared for with dignity.
These moments reflect who Lydia is every day. She lives Mayo Clinic's primary value that the needs of the patient come first. She sees the person behind the illness and recognizes that patients and families are often experiencing the hardest days of their lives. She responds not only with clinical skill but with kindness, patience, and empathy.
Lydia has earned every Above & Beyond recognition she's received, but her impact reaches far beyond those nominations. She deserves to be recognized for the quiet, consistent ways she makes a difference every single day. Her compassion, humility, and unwavering commitment to her patients and their families make her an exceptional nurse and an outstanding example of nursing excellence.
Mayo Clinic is among over 5,000 healthcare organizations worldwide committed to the DAISY Award program. The DAISY Award is presented each month to an extraordinary nurse.
If you know someone looking for a career in nursing, explore available opportunities today. https://jobs.mayoclinic.org/nursing
