It was a moment Martha Wydra-Miller will never forget. That day when her colleagues at UHealth Tower, formerly University of Miami Hospital, surprised her with an honor called the Daisy Award—an award given to nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate and skillful care every day.

“When they called my name, I was so happy. It made me cry, “said RN, BSN Wydra-Miller. “It means a lot to me, it’s special.”

Wydra-Miller was selected for the award because of a letter written by one of her former nursing students which praised Wydra-Miller for her compassion and superb teaching skills. This letter was read out loud in front of a room full of more than 100 of her colleagues and hospital managers.

“I was listening, and I said that nurse sounds nice, so professional, “said Wydra-Miller. “As they continued to read the letter I thought, that sounds familiar. When they called my name, I was in tears. I felt like a million dollars.”

Wydra-Miller was also given flowers, sweet treats and a parking space. She said she didn’t expect any praise. She loves teaching and caring for her patients.

“Sometimes patients give me letters, send texts or messages on Facebook,” explained Wydra-Miller. “It’s such a nice compliment. I am so lucky to get paid to do work that I enjoy so much.”

Her work is demanding. Wydra-Miller works full-time, 12 to 14 hours per day in the surgical ICU, Intensive Care Unit. Her focus has been on treating and preventing wounds.

“I’ve been called the wound care champion,” said Wydra-Miller. “I treat patients on how to prevent and care for their wounds. I have been enhancing my skills through an education program the hospital offers employees.

Working full-time, studying and raising four children isn’t easy. But Wydra-Miller isn’t resting on her laurels.

“My family is very supportive. I have high expectations, “said Wydra-Miller. “They gave me this award because I am doing something right and I have to keep it up and do it better.”