The DAISY Award is all about celebrating nurses who go above and beyond with compassion — and that’s exactly what Nancy Ruiz, registered nurse (RN), does every single day. She’s the kind of nurse who makes patients feel seen, heard, and cared for in ways that go far beyond the job description. Now she gets to add “DAISY Award winner” to her brag list! Let’s meet Nancy, see how Fusion’s core values shine through her care, and learn how our partnership with the DAISY Foundation helps honor extraordinary nurses like her.
Turning Moments Into Meaningful Care: Meet DAISY Winner Nancy
Nancy Ruiz, RN, DAISY Award winner
At just 25 years old, Nancy is already the kind of registered nurse people don’t forget. Growing up in a small Texas town with her hardworking single mom, Nancy witnessed firsthand what it means to give your all for the people you love.
Nancy’s dream of becoming a nurse started early but grew even stronger during her mother’s breast cancer journey.
“I gained a new insight on what ‘life’ really means and the importance of a smile,” she said. “Across the hospital rooms, I can remember the smiles that helped each and every transition from diagnosis to the time to set up hospice. I believe wholeheartedly that those personnel had the most impact on our journey. I strive to be that person in the room.”
And being “that person” means showing up with compassion in big and small ways.
“[I seek to be] the one that smiles and lightens the air,” Nancy added. “The one that gets my patient that cinnamon roll if that’s the only thing he or she wants to eat. The one that comforts the 15-year-old that’s receiving the news of terminal cancer found in her mother. That one.”
For Nancy, receiving the DAISY Award has been an emotional honor. She said it “feels so good” to know she’s making a positive impact and that her patients and colleagues can see it. Even more, she said it means “the world to know I am keeping my angel in the sky proud.”
Nancy also credits Fusion and her Nursing Recruiter Tyler with supporting her along the way. She said: “I truly believe Fusion had a big play in me winning this award. I always feel heard and seen…and this always sets up you for success. Thank you, Fusion!”
Looking ahead, Nancy plans to continue doing what she loves most, and that is “being one heck of a nurse!”
Living Fusion’s core values
Nancy doesn’t just honor Fusion’s core values of being humble, driven, positive — she lives them to turn every moment into meaningful care. As one of her nominators said: “She is one of the most kind and compassionate nurses I’ve ever met. She always has a positive attitude and a smile. Nancy exemplifies all the core values that Fusion stands for.”
That positivity shows up in countless ways, big and small. Amongst her colleagues, Nancy’s known for her willingness to stop what she’s doing to give patients her full attention, even in the busiest moments. Whether that means crying with a patient, holding a hand when family can’t be there, or offering comfort through something as simple as a back rub, Nancy makes sure her patients never feel alone.
The thing that makes Nancy so humble is how she draws on her life story to better serve her patients, crediting losing her mom at 17 years old as the reason she gives her all to others.
“Nancy’s taken her own life experience and uses it to ensure every one of her patients has a positive experience,” said one of her nominators. “Nancy is refreshing healthcare with her hard work ethic, positive attitude, and her personal experiences with healthcare.”
And when it comes to her drive, Nancy doesn’t stop at caring for her patients. She goes further, helping her colleagues grow, too. For example, when a Spanish-speaking patient was admitted to the small Nebraska hospital where Nancy was working, she didn’t just translate words — she built understanding. Nancy sat with the patient and family to make sure their voices were heard, and she took time to guide her fellow nurses so they could better support the patient’s needs, too.
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From her smile and positivity to her drive and humility, Nancy truly embodies what Fusion stands for. She brings her heart, her personal story, and her determination into every patient interaction.
Fusion 🤝 DAISY Foundation partnership
At Fusion, we’re proud to partner with the DAISY Foundation to celebrate what makes the nursing profession so special — the compassion, the heart, and the way nurses show up for patients and families in their hardest moments.
Related: Fusion Joins Forces with DAISY Foundation to Honor Outstanding Nurses
The DAISY Award isn’t about titles or checklists; it’s about recognizing the kind of clinical care that sticks with people forever. That’s why Nancy’s win is such a big deal. She joins a small circle of Fusion travelers who have also earned this honor, and that’s no small feat — it’s proof that the work of Fusion nurses makes a lasting and profound impact. For Nancy, it means her peers and patients see the heart she puts into every shift, and for us at Fusion, it’s a reminder of why we’re so grateful to celebrate our nurses in partnership with DAISY.
Nancy’s story is a beautiful reminder of what nursing’s all about — showing up with compassion, being present in the tough times, and finding small ways to make a positive difference. We’re proud to honor the heart of nursing, and Nancy is the perfect example of why that matters.
