Elisa Wilson Honored with DAISY Award
Celebrating Compassion: OR Nurse Elisa Wilson Honored with DAISY Award
We are proud to announce that OR Nurse Elisa Wilson is our latest DAISY Award winner.
In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the Operating Room (OR) is often associated with high-tech equipment, sterile protocols, and surgical precision. However, for patients facing procedures, it can also be a place of vulnerability and anxiety.
It is in these moments that the “art” of nursing becomes just as critical as the science. Recently, we had the privilege of recognizing a nurse who perfectly blends clinical expertise with extraordinary kindness.
A Routine Procedure, A Human Connection
Elisa’s Wilson’s nomination came from a patient— Misty Gonzales—who had been suffering from a long, painful journey with back issues. Misty arrived at the hospital for a spinal injection, a necessary step to manage her pain while awaiting surgery. While the procedure was routine for the medical team, it was a source of significant anxiety for the patient.
“From the moment I entered the operating room, Elisa made me feel safe, seen, and supported,” Misty shared in her nomination.
Elisa Wilson and the Power of Presence
For many patients, the fear of the unknown is the hardest part of a medical procedure. Elisa recognized this immediately. Instead of rushing through the prep, she utilized a calm demeanor and warm presence to ground her patient.
She took the time to explain every step of the spinal injection process. By breaking down the clinical details into clear, comforting language, she transformed a scary situation into one the patient could face with confidence.
More Than Just “Okay” 
What truly set Elisa apart as a DAISY Award winner was her attention to emotional well-being. She didn’t just ask the standard checklist questions; she continuously assessed how Misty was feeling.
When the moment of the injection arrived—often the most nerve-wracking part of the experience—Elisa offered a simple but profound gesture: she held the patient’s hand.
“That simple gesture meant the world to me,” Misty wrote. “It was a powerful reminder that I wasn’t alone, and that I was in the care of someone who genuinely cared.”
Honoring Elisa Wilson’s Extraordinary Care
Elisa exemplifies the values that the DAISY Foundation stands for. She turned a clinical appointment into a deeply human experience, proving that sometimes the most effective medicine is a reassuring touch and a listening ear.
Please join us in congratulating Elisa Wilson for this well-deserved recognition!
Nominate a Nurse Have you or a loved one received extraordinary care from one of our nurses? Share your story and nominate them for a DAISY Award today.
