Nurses at Saint Mary’s Hospital were honored during Nurses Week with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®. The DAISY Award recognizes the extraordinary, compassionate care nurses provide patients and families every day. Nurses can be nominated by anyone in the organization, patients, or family members. Five nurses from four different units were presented with The DAISY Award during the Nurses’ Recognition Ceremony on May 7.
Clockwise starting top left Christina Gizzi, RN, Nathan McCooty, RN, Katherine Giroux, RN, Kimberly Beres, RN and Steffy Sengphachanh, RN.
Among the honorees was Kimberly Beres, RN, a nurse on the Women and Infants’ Center unit. Kim was nominated by a patient. The expectant patient and her husband submitted the nomination because they were incredibly grateful for Kim’s compassionate and reliable care, stating Kim, “was like an angel throughout that entire day.” From the first moment of active labor through the entire journey, Kim was, “very attentive and had a calming presence, which is what I needed.” The grateful new mother continued, “we could not have gone through it without her. She embodies what it means to be a nurse, truly caring for her patients, ensuring they are getting the best care possible.”
Katherine Giroux, RN, is a charge nurse in the Emergency Department. Three different colleagues submitted nominations for Katie. The first stated that not only does Katie do so much for the department, but that she is an empathetic and considerate nurse. A second colleague also commented on Katie’s leadership, and that she is always dedicated to the patients as well as her colleagues. Lastly, another submission says, “Katie always goes above and beyond on the unit. She is an amazing charge nurse and role model.”
Another nurse in the Emergency Department, Christina Gizzi, RN, received six nominations. The list of adjectives in the numerous submissions included caring, hardworking, understanding and a great charge nurse. One colleague stated that Christina, “constantly shows professionalism, is a good communicator, is a problem solver and shows empathy, as well as having a great sense of humor.” Christina’s patient-centered care and compassion for patients were also noted. Another colleague said, “she has an amazing spirit, and is always a pleasure to work with.”
O’Brien 4’s, Nathan McCooty, RN leaves an impression on his patients and their families. Nate’s nursing supervisors states she gets positive feedback from many of his patients commenting that they always remember his name, smile and how they made him feel. The spouse of one patient said, “Nate went above and beyond to ensure my husband was well taken care of. He even danced and sang. My husband cannot stop talking about him.” A family member of yet another patient said, “He was so great and even called me to give me an update. You can really tell he loves what he does. He made us feel so much better.”
Steffy Sengphachanh, RN, is a nurse on O’Brien 7. A patient comment states their satisfaction with the care they received from the entire staff, and specifically noted Steffy. The patient stated, “very polite and listened to my needs, made me feel cared for and answered all my questions.” The patient continued, “all nice people. Good manners, everyone deserves a DAISY, especially Steffy!”
Each Honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin, and sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. The DAISY Award is recognized internationally in over 3,900 health care facilities and schools of nursing.