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"She made a lasting impact on my life when I needed it most!"

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award. UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Chair Crystal Richard, MSN, RN, CCRN, surprised Wendy Cialkowski, BSN, RN, 6 Central, with a DAISY Award.

A patient nominated Cialkowski for her advocacy and attention to detail:

"Wendy was my nurse when I first arrived on 6 Central. To give you an idea of the condition I was in: I was taken straight from the Emergency Department into an operating room. I was in so much discomfort, distress, and pain — it was pure agony, and I was terrified!

"From the very beginning, Wendy treated me not just as a patient — but as a whole person who was going through something incredibly difficult.  From the first time I met her, Wendy worked to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. She didn’t just respond to what I said — she paid attention to my body language, my tone, and even the small things I didn’t say out loud. If my words suggested one thing but my discomfort showed another, she noticed.

"She used her critical thinking and her compassion to bridge that gap, making sure I got what I truly needed. That kind of attention made me feel safe and cared for in a way I didn’t expect.

"One of the most important things Wendy did for me was advocate when I couldn’t advocate for myself. My family lives hours away, so I was alone during some crucial conversations. She recognized how hazy I was during that first week after major surgery.

"Wendy quickly earned my trust and respect. She showed me I deserve the same dignity and care as anyone else and encouraged me not to be afraid to ask for help. Every day, she took care of the small but meaningful details that made my stay more bearable. She always made sure my bedside was clean, wiped down my tray table, and kept my room tidy.

"She made sure I had ice water, fluids, and, most importantly to me, my tea. Knowing how much I love tea, Wendy surprised me by buying me two French press mugs. That simple, thoughtful gift made me cry. In such a scary and uncertain time ... it gave me incredible comfort. It might sound small, but those consistent acts of kindness gave me stability in the middle of chaos.

"Wendy also went above and beyond in ways that touched me deeply. Since I was so far from home, I didn’t have many of my personal belongings with me. I also didn’t expect to be in the hospital for as long as I was.

"Wendy cared for me physically, emotionally, and personally, showing true compassion and dedication. I can confidently say she deserves a DAISY Award, because she made a lasting impact on my life when I needed it most!"

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"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.

At UVA Health University Medical Center — patients or their families, visitors, and team members may submit a DAISY Award nomination.