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"Her impact goes far beyond one patient, one family, or one shift. She changes lives through her kindness, advocacy, teaching, and unwavering support.”

UVA Health is thrilled to recognize Prince William Medical Center’s Susmita KC, RN, as a two-time DAISY Award winner! While her first award recognized her team leadership and commitment to compassionate patient care, this nomination — submitted by fellow team member Sadikshya Bhandari, BSN, RN — celebrates mentorship as a preceptor. 

The UVA Community Health Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors UVA Health Prince William Medical Center nurses each quarter with a DAISY Award.

‘She Never Stopped Believing in Me’

Beyond her clinical work, KC demonstrates empathy, patience, and skill in how she supports other nurses. Bhandari explains, “From the very beginning of my journey as a new graduate nurse, Susmita has been so much more than a teacher. She has been my mentor, role model, safe place, and constant source of encouragement during one of the most challenging times in my life!

“What makes Susmita truly exceptional is the way she teaches. She explains complex skills, patient care, and critical thinking in the simplest and most understandable way. No matter how many times I ask questions, she never shows frustration or makes me feel inadequate. Instead, she makes me feel supported, respected, and safe to learn. 

“Susmita creates an environment in which mistakes become lessons, fear becomes confidence, and uncertainty becomes growth. There were times in my journey when I felt overwhelmed, discouraged, and even hopeless about whether I was good enough to become the nurse I wanted to be. During those moments, she never stopped believing in me.

"She encouraged me when I doubted myself, reminded me that I was capable, and gave me the strength to keep going. Her words and guidance meant more than she probably realizes! She did not just teach me nursing skills, she helped me believe in myself!”

‘What True Nursing Leadership Looks Like’

Bhandari follows with a specific incident during which KC provided inspirational care that would shape Bhandari’s own approach to nursing. “One moment that truly stayed with me was when we cared for a patient whose family was confused and frustrated because of a lack of communication. Instead of becoming dismissive, Susmita responded with patience, empathy, and professionalism.”

“She listened carefully to their concerns, acknowledged their feelings, communicated clearly with the providers, and made sure everyone understood the plan of care. By the end of the interaction, the family felt heard, reassured, and supported. Watching her handle that situation with such compassion and calm showed me what true nursing leadership looks like!" 

Shaping Future Nurses at UVA Health

Bhandari expresses how KC’s extraordinary qualities and their impact are not confined to singular moments of patient interaction; rather, her continued mentorship and the example she sets are shaping incoming nurses’ approaches to care at Prince William Medical Center. “Susmita consistently demonstrates compassion, professionalism, patience, and servant leadership in every aspect of her work. She not only provides excellent care to her patients, but also inspires and shapes future nurses like me. Because of her, I have grown not only in my skills and knowledge, but also in my confidence, resilience, and sense of purpose.” 

“She has shown me to become a nurse like someone who makes patients and families feel safe, heard, valued, and cared for. Her impact goes far beyond one patient, one family, or one shift. She changes lives through her kindness, her advocacy, her teaching, and her unwavering support. I truly believe she is the kind of nurse the DAISY Award was created to honor.”

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