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Her actions "reminded us all why we became nurses in the first place."

UVA Health Prince William Medical Center has recognized Angela Fite, BSN, RN, CEN, Medical Treatment Unit, with the DAISY Award. 

Amanda Burrow, RN, BSN, Assistant Nurse Manager, nominated Fite: “Angela is known to be an exceptional nurse — the kind that other nurses would hope to have cared for our own loved ones if the unthinkable were to ever occur. Recently, we experienced such a moment, thanks to one extraordinary nurse."

A Family in Crisis 

Burrow continues:

“In our fast-paced Emergency Department (ED), where life-and-death moments unfold daily, we’re accustomed to witnessing acts of skill, compassion, and grace under pressure. Yet even among such a remarkable team, there are times when someone’s actions stand out so profoundly that they cause even the most seasoned among us to pause — to swallow hard, to hold back tears, and to feel deeply grateful to be in the presence of true nursing excellence.”  

"It was an especially busy shift when a family of four was rushed to the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center ED following a multi-vehicle collision. The father, injured but stable, was brought into one of our resuscitation rooms along with his 9-month-old son and 4-year-old daughter, thankfully — both appearing overall well — though in need of evaluation and care. But the fourth member of this family — a three-year-old boy — arrived with life-threatening injuries and immediately was directed to a separate trauma bay. Waiting to receive him was Angela." 

'Calm in the Storm'

"From the moment the boy arrived, Angela’s care of him was nothing short of exemplary. She worked swiftly and expertly to stabilize him — monitoring for subtle changes in his condition, collaborating seamlessly with the trauma team, and advocating fiercely on his behalf. Her clinical knowledge, communication, and critical thinking were on full display — the kind of performance we all hope for in moments that count. And yet, it was what Angela did beyond the clinical that truly set her apart. This young child came to us alone in the most vulnerable moment of his life. He was scared, in pain, and unable to be comforted by the familiar faces of his family. Angela became more than his nurse. She became his calm in the storm." 

"As he thrashed on the stretcher, frightened and disoriented, Angela held him close. She gently stroked his forehead, whispering words of comfort and safety. Amid the urgency and intensity, she was a steady, soothing presence — grounding him through her touch, her voice, and her unwavering compassion." 

Atmosphere Transformed 

"Then came a moment none of us will forget. The child needed to be intubated. During the rapid sequence of intubation (RSI), his response to medications was unpredictable, prompting immediate adjustments. The code team worked with practiced urgency: bagging, placing an OG [orogastric] tube, drawing labs — each person focused on their task. But as the room filled with clinical precision, Angela added something unexpected and profoundly human: she began to sing. 

"Twinkle, twinkle, little star ... 

"Her voice, soft but steady, carried through the room. And in that instant, the sterile atmosphere of a resuscitation bay transformed. Her lullaby calmed the chaos and eased the child's agitation. For a brief, powerful moment, she gave him — and all of us — something more than medicine. She gave presence, peace, and love. 

"On that day, through a simple song and extraordinary presence, [her actions] reminded us all why we became nurses in the first place. She didn’t just perform the duties of her role — she embodied the very soul of nursing."

"It is with deep admiration and heartfelt gratitude that we nominate Angela Fite for the DAISY Award." 

In Her Own Words 

Fite has been a nurse for nine years and has worked at UVA Health the last three years. She shares that earning the DAISY Award is a beautiful surprise and a true honor. “Nursing is a calling, not a career,” she says, expressing deep gratitude for the many colleagues who’ve helped shape her journey.

For Fite, the opportunity to serve with heart and soul is a gift in itself, and she emphasizes that the care that saved that little boy’s life was the result of teamwork and God’s grace. Looking ahead, her goal is to continue serving wherever she is called — bringing hope, healing, and compassion to those in need.

Know a Fabulous Nurse?
"DAISY" stands for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System." The DAISY Award was established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of only 33 of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of his nurses, so they created this national award to thank nurses everywhere.

Patients or their famliy members; visitors; and team members can submit a nomination for a UVA Health Culpeper, Haymarket, or Prince William Medical Center nurse.