11 DAISY Awards, Countless Lives Touched – Maria’s Journey
Every DAISY Award carries a story of compassion and impact. For Epic Travel Staffing nurse Maria B., those stories now number eleven. Her career – shaped by resilience, hard work, and an unwavering dedication to patients – has touched countless lives. With the right support behind her, Maria has been able to flourish as a travel nurse, turning her commitment into extraordinary care that continues to inspire everyone around her.
A Lifelong Calling to Care, Across Borders
Maria’s path to healthcare began in Uruguay, where she dedicated seven years to medical school – a clear reflection of her lifelong commitment to serving others. When she came to the United States, she had to start over completely. She learned English, raised two young children, and faced the reality that her years of medical training would not transfer, since so much time had passed since university. Instead of giving up, Maria pivoted to nursing, determined to continue her calling to care for others.
That same drive has carried her through every chapter since. Maria not only built a successful nursing career but also went on to earn her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Today, she is preparing for her board exams, proving once again that her dedication to growth, resilience, and service is unshakable.
Finding Freedom and Support in Travel Nursing
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria was working as a charge nurse when a colleague introduced her to the concept of travel nursing. She soon connected with Epic Travel Staffing and recruiter Lauren Vause, beginning what would become a rewarding new chapter in her career.
For Maria, travel nursing brought a freedom she hadn’t experienced before. The flexibility to choose assignments, schedule time off between contracts, and create more balance with her family became a defining benefit. That independence gave her space to continue growing her career while still prioritizing the people she loved most.
Throughout Maria’s journey, Lauren has been a constant source of support – celebrating personal milestones, offering support during challenges, and ensuring every assignment runs smoothly. For Maria, that consistency and responsiveness have made travel nursing feel less like a challenge and more like a truly rewarding journey.
Turning Fear Into Trust: Maria’s First DAISY Award
Maria’s first DAISY Award stemmed from a moment that revealed her gift for empathy and connection. Though she typically cared for adults, she once had a young patient scheduled for an appendectomy who was terrified of needles. Instead of rushing the process, Maria slowed down – gently reassuring the child, applying numbing medication, and keeping her engaged with light conversation until the IV was placed with ease.
What could have been a frightening experience became one of calm and comfort. For the patient and her family, Maria’s kindness transformed a routine procedure into a moment of trust and relief. For Maria, it was a reminder of the power of compassion in care, and it became the story behind her very first DAISY Award.
Advocacy That Saved a Life: Maria’s 11th DAISY Award
While each DAISY Award has been special, Maria’s eleventh holds particular significance. She had been caring for a patient who suffered a head injury. Over time, she noticed subtle but concerning changes in the patient’s condition. Her persistence in advocating for the patient ultimately saved his life.
Maria also went beyond clinical care, providing comfort to the family, whose gratitude led to a nomination that became her 11th DAISY Award, a recognition not just of her skill, but of the deep compassion she brings to every patient encounter.
What It Takes to Earn 11 DAISY Awards
What makes a nurse stand out so much that patients, families, and colleagues nominate her for 11 DAISY Awards? For Lauren, the answer is clear in the way Maria approaches every assignment. Maria embodies resilience, compassion, and optimism – qualities that shine through not only in her patient care but also in her interactions with teammates and recruiters.
To Lauren, Maria reflects Epic Travel Staffing’s values of “We Go All In” and “We Show Up” for every assignment. It’s this combination of clinical excellence and genuine human connection that has made Maria such a consistent source of comfort and inspiration, and why she continues to be recognized wherever her travel nursing journey takes her.
As Lauren puts it: “One DAISY Award is awesome and a great accomplishment, but 11 DAISY Awards is just outstanding. That truly shows the care and the love of her profession that she just wants to make sure that everyone feels comfortable in every situation.”
“Be the Nurse You Want to Have When You Are in That Bed”
When asked what advice she gives to those hoping to make a lasting impact, Maria shared the same lesson she instills in her students and new nurses she mentors: “Be the nurse you want to have when you are in that bed.”
She explains that perspective changes everything, reminding nurses to see every patient as if they were caring for their own mother, or even themselves. That mindset shapes how you listen, advocate, and respond with compassion.
“We are there for only 12 hours, but in 12 hours, you can do so much for your patient,” Maria says. By treating every patient with the care you’d want for yourself, you ensure their comfort, dignity, and trust – qualities that truly define extraordinary nursing.
Celebrating 11 DAISY Awards and a Legacy of Compassionate Care
Maria’s journey shines a light on the heart of nursing: compassion, advocacy, and dignity in every moment of care. Her 11 DAISY Awards reflect not just her skill, but the countless lives she’s touched with kindness and respect. We celebrate Maria’s achievements and thank her for reminding us what extraordinary nursing truly looks like.
Are you ready to write your own story as a travel nurse? Connect with Epic Travel Staffing today and discover the support, flexibility, and opportunities that can help you thrive in your career.