2026 Excellence in Nursing Awards - Direct Care
Elizabeth Alex
B.S.N., RN, SCRN
RN II, 8 Orange – Acute Stroke Unit
From her nominator: “Elizabeth radiates excellence and compassion, leaving a profound impact on both the nursing profession and the colleagues fortunate enough to work alongside her. Her warm, welcoming presence sets the tone for each shift, creating a supportive and uplifting environment, and she is a trusted wellspring of knowledge for new graduate nurses who value her unwavering commitment to patient safety. In moments of crisis, she responds with swift, composed action, delivering lifesaving care and ensuring patients are stabilized. Her commitment extends beyond the immediate emergency, as she takes time to support and debrief with her colleagues. She has also demonstrated strong clinical acumen by recognizing subtle neurological changes and activating timely interventions. Her blend of skill, empathy, and leadership distinguishes her as an exceptional nurse.”
Remedios “Remy” David
B.S.N., RN, OCN, BMTCN
RN II, 11 Blue – Transplant and Cellular Therapy (TCT) and Hematology-Oncology
From her nominator: “Remy, the heart of the Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) program, brings 36 years of nursing experience that have guided the program since its earliest days. Joining the program just two years after its inception, she helped shape it into the respected unit it is today. Though she has served in multiple leadership roles, her passion for direct patient care led her back to the bedside, where she continues to leave a lasting impact. Patients describe her as ‘knowledgeable and experienced,’ with ‘attitude and skill unsurpassed,’ and compassion that ‘is to be celebrated.’ One patient simply wrote, ‘Clone her.’ Providers call her a ‘real-life angel’ whose input is ‘thoughtful, intelligent, and always spot on.’ A trusted mentor and foundational pillar of the BMT unit, she exemplifies excellence in every interaction.”
Brianna Garza
B.S.N., RN, CPHQ, LSSGB
RN, 3 Orange – Neurosciences ICU
From her nominator: “Brianna demonstrates remarkable vision and ambition to positively influence the nursing profession and future generations of nurses. She has mentored hundreds of new graduate nurses and students as a preceptor, career coach, and residency mentor, and actively contributes as a Magnet Champion and member of the Nurse Practice Council. Her influence extends globally, as she has presented internationally at the International Council of Nurses Congress and shared research aimed at improving clinical efficiency. At the bedside, she combines strong clinical judgment with compassion and emotional intelligence, recognizing subtle changes in her patients and advocating when it matters most. Her ability to connect authentically with patients and families, while advancing standards across the profession, distinguishes her as a transformational nurse and emerging leader.”
Leslie Green
B.S.N., RN, CMSRN
RN, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center – Transplant and Cellular Therapy (TCT) Infusion
From her nominator: “Over her 15-plus years, Leslie has been a constant force for excellence, always seeking purposeful ways to address gaps and strengthen care delivery. Her broad expertise spans multiple specialties, and she has strengthened practice through initiatives like streamlined skin rounds, float tool kits that improved staff satisfaction, and a master competency tool that has aligned education across units. Her impact is best captured in the words of a patient who called her ‘a blessing,’ sharing that she helped them stay calm and made them finally comfortable enough to rest. Leslie refuses to settle for good enough, making it her mission to give every patient and colleague the best possible day. Her peers often say their professional goal is simple: to ‘be more like Leslie.’”
Sonia Joseph
M.S.N., RN
RN II, 8 Orange – Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
From her nominator: “This RN has made a tremendous difference on the nursing profession through her commitment to clinical excellence, research, and mentorship. As Chair of the hospital-wide Research Committee and her unit’s research representative, she promotes a culture of inquiry and translates emerging evidence into practice. But her influence is most tangible at the bedside. When others believed a severely debilitated patient was confused and nonverbal, she recognized subtle signs of awareness and discovered the patient could communicate by blinking. She created a system that restored the person’s voice and dignity. During that same hospitalization, she arranged a virtual meeting so the patient could see his newborn child for the first time, a moment that brought the family to tears. Patients say Sonia eases worries, listens deeply, and treats them with humanity. She delivers not just clinical care, but true healing through empathy and presence.”
Callie Lenfest
M.S.N., APRN, CPNP-AC/PC
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
From her nominator: “Callie cares for some of the most medically fragile children in the Heart Center at Children’s Health, supporting infants born with severe heart defects during the critical months after surgery. Through the Safe at Home Program, she educates families on how to monitor their baby’s health at home and offers guidance during an especially vulnerable stage of recovery. Her work has helped transform outcomes for these children, and she never stops looking for ways to improve them. She brings a kindness that patients, families, and colleagues alike feel in her presence.”