UTSWNurses

Roses are red, our scrubs are blue. Our patients are lucky to have nurses like you! Happy Valentine's Day to our UT Southwestern Nurses!

Welcoming the New Year with gratitude for our nurses and the compassionate care they provide every day.



[Photos of Nurses Celebrating the New Year]

On December 11, UT Southwestern recognized Darlene Graham, B.S.N., RN with the DAISY Award. Darlene is an inpatient nurse on the 8 blue medical intensive care unit. In her nomination, a family member of one of her patients stated:

"Darlene has made this very difficult time for our family as comfortable and stress-free as possible. She was patient, kind, caring, intentional, and compassionate. God provided the angel we needed for such a time as this! Be forever blessed, Darlene! This is truly your calling."

Congratulations Darlene and thank you for your commitment to our patients!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our UTSW Nurses!



[Photos of Groups of Nurses Celebrating the Holidays]

On December 10, UT Southwestern had the privilege of presenting the DAISY Award to JiunYing (Jean) Liang, B.S.N., RN, CMSRN. Jean is a nurse on 12 Green and was nominated by a patient. Part of her nomination wrote:

“I want to thank Jean for being my first impression and lasting example of what compassionate, intentional, and loving nursing looks like. I think that the world would look different if we each carried a piece of Jean with us as we go forward, treating every little moment with great love.”

We were honored to have that patient and family attend the presentation ceremony of the award.

Congratulations Jean and thank you for all that you do for our patients!



[Photos of DAISY Award Presentation]

On October 30, UT Southwestern recognized Kimberly K. Johnson, B.S.N., RN, CMSRN with the DAISY Leader Award. Kimberly is an Assistant Nurse Manager on 7 Green and was nominated by a colleague. Part of her nomination wrote:

“When I think of someone who embodies fairness, helpfulness, and a willingness to go the extra mile, Kim is the first person who comes to mind. She never hesitates to step in and assist on another unit when help is needed. Her selflessness and dedication to both her colleagues and patients make her the perfect example of what it means to be a true leader and caregiver.”

Congratulations, Kimberly!

On Thursday, November 13, 7 Green received the PRISM Award from the Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses (AMSN) and the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification Board (MSNCB). They are one of only three units in the entire DFW area to receive this national recognition.

The PRISM Award is given to medical-surgical units that demonstrate excellence in nursing practice, patient care, and teamwork. It highlights units that create an environment where nurses can provide high-quality care while supporting each other through the challenges of hospital work. This award is a direct reflection of the culture of nursing here at UT Southwestern and the steadfast effort our nurses bring to patients and the community.

Congratulations 7 Green team for this well earned award!

Yesterday, on October 16, 2025, the UTSW Nursing Excellence Team celebrated the graduation of our latest cohorts. Congrats to the nurse residents from cohort 15, fellows from cohort 16, and PCT’s from cohort 13! We look forward to the impact you will continue to have on patient care.

On September 16, 2025, UT Southwestern recognized Shanna Tims, B.S.N., RN, CWON with the Daisy Award! Shanna is a wound care nurse at Clements University Hospital and was nominated by her previous leadership in med/surg for the compassion she showed to a patient who had just lost his girlfriend on the same day he was called in for a kidney transplant.

She comforted him, involved the chaplain, and even contacted the funeral home to help him feel connected to the service. When no livestream was available, she printed photos from the funeral home’s website and placed them at his bedside. The patient mentioned that whenever he looks at his girlfriend's picture, he remembers and thanks Shanna for helping him through that situation.

Congratulations Shanna and thank you for the care and compassion you bring to our patients at UT Southwestern!

On September 24, 2025 UT Southwestern attended the TCU Evidence Based Practice Fellowship Graduation. We had 8 fellows graduate this year! Congratulations on all your hard work and we hope you continue innovating and improving our units and clinics!

On Friday September 19, 2025 many of our nurse leaders attended the North Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (NTONL) Fall Forum 2025. NTONL is a professional conference designed to support nursing leaders in North Texas by providing a platform for innovation and collaboration.

Those who attended from UT Southwestern gained valuable insights from excellent presentations and will bring this knowledge back to share with colleagues, strengthening leadership and practice across our organization.