2025 Nursing Conference Grant Winning Essays

The questions for this year’s application cycle were as follows: 

1. Please describe how you will share what you learn at this conference with colleagues. 

2. How will you incorporate what you learn from this educational offering into your practice? 

3. How will this conference advance your long-term career goals (beyond the attainment of continuing education hour requirements)? 

 

Essays were lightly edited for grammar, flow, and readability.  

 

Ace Delos Santos

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Essay 1:  I will apply these learnings by Sharing knowledge with colleagues through unit-based in-services or presentations to promote collaborative learning. Integrating best practices into daily patient care, especially those that improve patient safety, experience, and outcomes. Mentoring fellow nurses by modeling compassionate, evidence-informed care, fostering professional growth, and inspiring future DAISY nominees. Advocating for quality improvement initiatives within my organization based on successful case studies and research presented at the conference.

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Essay 2: As a DAISY Awardee attending the Magnet Conference 2026, I plan to incorporate the learnings from the conference into my practice by enhancing both the quality of care and the culture of nursing excellence within my unit. The conference offers valuable insights into evidence-based practices, innovative care models, and leadership strategies that align with Magnet principles. Ultimately, I will use this opportunity not only to grow personally and professionally but to elevate the standard of care within my nursing team and continue to embody the spirit of the DAISY Award in every interaction with patients, families, and peers.

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Essay 3: The Magnet Conference 2026 directly supports my professional goals by offering a dynamic, evidence-based platform where nursing excellence is not only celebrated but strategically advanced. As a DAISY Award-winning nurse in an adult med-surg telemetry unit, my goals revolve around improving patient outcomes, strengthening leadership and mentorship skills, and contributing meaningfully to a culture of excellence within my organization. The Magnet Conference uniquely addresses these aspirations through its rich educational content, leadership development sessions, and emphasis on innovation in nursing practice. First and foremost, the conference will help me stay current with the latest clinical advancements relevant to the med-surg telemetry population. Sessions on cardiac monitoring, early warning systems, and fall prevention will equip me with new tools and insights to better care for our complex, high-acuity patients. These evidence-based strategies are crucial to improving quality of care, reducing readmissions, and ensuring safe transitions, core goals of my clinical practice. Equally important, the conference offers dedicated sessions and networking opportunities designed to build leadership capacity.

 

As a DAISY Award recipient, I'm committed to being a positive influence on my unit and mentoring others. By engaging in workshops focused on professional governance, resilience, and team engagement, I'll gain new strategies to support my colleagues, encourage shared decision-making, and foster a more collaborative and empowered work environment. These experiences will directly enhance my ability to lead initiatives and support both new and experienced nurses on our unit. The Magnet Conference also places a strong emphasis on the role of nurses in achieving and sustaining Magnet designation. Learning how other institutions integrate frontline nurses into quality improvement, professional development, and governance processes will help me better understand how to align our day-to-day work with broader organizational goals. I plan to bring back actionable ideas that can strengthen our Magnet journey and elevate the voice of bedside nurses in strategic decision-making. Lastly, the opportunity to connect with nurses from across the country is invaluable. Hearing success stories, best practices, and lessons learned from a wide range of settings will broaden my perspective and expose me to new ways of thinking about complex challenges. These peer-to-peer exchanges will support my goal of becoming a more well-rounded, innovative, and forward-thinking nurse leader.

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