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“She doesn't just provide care, she changes lives. She certainly changed mine!”

A UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center patient nominated Alayna Beamer, RN, BSN, for a DAISY Award for the meaningful difference made by Beamer’s thoughtfulness in the patient's life.

“As someone who's been bedbound for years, moments like that are incredibly rare and meaningful," describes the patient, detailing the many times the DAISY Award winner went above and beyond. "Alayna helped me step out of my own thoughts, even if just for a little while, and reminded me what it feels like to laugh and have fun again. In those moments, I wasn't just a patient in a hospital bed — I was a person again.” 

Making Others Feel Seen

The patient explains she encountered Beamer’s care when she needed it most, describing it as "the extraordinary compassion and light she brought into one of the darkest moments of my life.” She elaborates: “When I was admitted to the hospital, I was at my absolute lowest point. I felt incredibly sick, exhausted, and alone .... It's hard to put into words just how heavy everything felt.” 

“Then I met Alayna. From the very beginning, she made me feel seen in a way I hadn't felt in a long time. She didn't just come in to do her job and leave — she took the time to sit with me, to talk, and most importantly, to listen. She cared about what I was going through as a person, not just as a patient. That alone meant more to me than I can fully express.”

Small Moments Make a Big Difference

The personal touches the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) nurse — who also serves as a Clinical Coordinator — brought to clinical care show the impact of individualized, tailored, human-centered nursing. “What truly set Alayna apart was the way she went above and beyond to bring light back into my life. She took it upon herself to arrange for me to have the things that bring me comfort and happiness like my coloring books, pencils, and laptop. She even brought in card games and spent time playing with me. These may seem like small things, but to me, they were everything. They gave me a sense of normalcy and peace that I hadn't felt in a long time.” 

“I truly believe Alayna was sent into my life at exactly the right time. She lifted my spirits when I didn't think it was possible, and gave me the encouragement I needed to keep fighting. Her kindness, empathy, and genuine care made a lasting impact on me — one that I will never forget. Alayna is, without a doubt, the best nurse I have ever met. She doesn't just provide care, she changes lives. She certainly changed mine!

"I hope she receives this recognition because she embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for. The world needs more nurses like Alayna!”

In Her Own Words: 'I'm Where I'm Meant to Be!"

Beamer, who's been a nurse since February 2024 — all of that time with UVA Health — is continuing her education through UVA in pursuit of her DNP. Speaking to the DAISY Award's significance, she reflects, “This patient meant so much to me. She was a 'frequent flyer' and over the years we made a deep connection. I'm grateful for those types of connections with my patients because it validates I'm where I’m meant to be!”

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.

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

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.