DAISY Award—Kaylah Hallam
Kaylah Hallam | Emergency Department
Reason for Recognition: I am honored to nominate Kaylah Hallam for the DAISY Award in recognition of her exceptional dedication to patient care, her compassion for others, and her outstanding leadership within the UC Davis Emergency Department.
Kaylah has been an integral member of the UC Davis ED since 2014. Over the years, she has steadily advanced through the Clinical Ladder to achieve her CNIII status, a testament to her commitment to professional growth and excellence in nursing. She has served on several committees, including the Critical Care Leadership Team, and has played a pivotal role in numerous initiatives that have enhanced both patient experiences and departmental operations.
Kaylah is known for her kindness, humility, and tireless work ethic. Whenever asked to take on a task or new responsibility, her response is always an enthusiastic, “Yes, of course!” She has served as a primary preceptor to many nurses new to the department and has mentored countless others as they develop skills in specialized areas such as triage and critical care. Kaylah is not only an exceptional teacher but also a role model, she leads by example, embodying the department’s values, policies, and standards in everything she does.
While there are countless examples of Kaylah’s remarkable work, one story stands out.
On July 1, 2025, a competitive runner who was 28 weeks pregnant, was struck by a vehicle whose driver ran a red light while she was crossing a major intersection. She was transported to UC Davis, where the Emergency Department and Trauma teams immediately began her care. That day, Kaylah was working alongside an Air Force nurse from David Grant Medical Center, who was training with our team to gain trauma experience.
From the moment the patient arrived, Kaylah was fully engaged in her care, recognizing both her obvious injuries and the fact that she was 28 weeks pregnant. Kaylah remained attentive to her pain, offered constant reassurance, and served as a strong advocate for both mother and baby. Her persistence in ensuring close fetal monitoring proved critical when it became clear the baby was in distress.
Reflecting on her experience, the patient later shared:
I’m honestly grateful for how prompt and decisive the team was in making sure my baby got the care she needed to survive. I remember the nurses being so attentive and staying close by to ease the pain I was in with a broken humerus and collarbone.? Thanks to the team’s quick action and Kaylah’s advocacy, the baby was delivered via emergency C-section and went on to spend several weeks in the NICU.
Later, the Air Force nurse recounted this case and spoke highly of Kaylah’s calm leadership, compassionate approach, and outstanding clinical skill. He described being deeply impressed by how she balanced expert decision-making with genuine empathy, a true reflection of her character and professionalism.
Kaylah’s work with her patients is just one example of how she changes lives every day. She provides not only exceptional clinical care but also emotional support to patients and families, all while uplifting her colleagues through mentorship and example. Kaylah embodies everything the DAISY Award represents, compassion, excellence, and the heart of nursing.
Submitters Name: Tara Barragan