The DAISY Award program is just one way Parkview Health recognizes the outstanding services provided by our nurses. This unique recognition program allows patients and their families to thank the exceptional nursing professionals involved in their care or that of a loved one. To recognize the compassion these skilled practitioners bring to their field and patients, we wanted to highlight two recent recipients, Teri Cantrell, RN, medical-surgical nurse, and Tara Hamilton, RN, medical-surgical nurse, Parkview Wabash Hospital. We asked them to share more about their nominations and what winning this prestigious award and being a nurse means to them.
The DAISY Award
The DAISY Award was created in honor of Patrick Barnes. At 33 years old, he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Sadly, after eight weeks, Patrick lost his battle with the illness. Days after Patrick’s passing, his family discussed what they could do to honor his memory. They knew they wanted to thank all nurses everywhere while highlighting the extraordinary gifts they give patients and families through unwavering care.
That’s when they decided to create a recognition program. Patrick’s wife, Tena, developed the acronym DAISY, which stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. From there, the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was born. Through this recognition award, they would help honor the super-human work nurses do for patients and their families every single day, wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve throughout their careers.
Excellent care, every day
Nurses make a difference in many ways, but often don’t realize their impact on the lives of patients and their families. We had the opportunity to speak with two such individuals, Teri and Tara. We invited them to reflect on their careers, the recognition and what they’d share with a nurse just starting out.
How long have you worked at Parkview?
Teri: I have been with Parkview for roughly two and a half years as a medical-surgical and critical care unit nurse.
Tara: I’ve worked at Parkview for over three years as a registered nurse in the medical-surgical unit.
Why did you become a nurse?
Teri: My Aunt was an amazing ICU nurse, and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to shadow her before deciding it was the career I wanted to pursue. Also, seeing the way the nursing staff helped my cousin and interacted with my family when they were in the NICU further sparked my interest in nursing.
Tara: I had always been interested in and talked about nursing when I was younger, but life got in the way, and I didn’t finish college. Eventually, I returned to school and became a nurse. I realized I enjoyed caring for, teaching and supporting people. Also, before nursing, I worked with troubled teens, and I loved what I was doing, but I wanted a career that would allow me to grow while still helping others. Nursing lets me do all of those things.
What’s your approach to patient care?
Teri: I always strive to treat all patients and their families as if they were my own.
Tara: Patient-centered care is always my go-to approach. Numbers and images are helpful but can only take you so far. Looking at and listening to your patient is the best way to provide excellent care.
What’s the greatest reward of being a nurse?
Teri: My favorite part of what we do is seeing patients improve while becoming more aware and knowledgeable about their health.
Tara: Nursing is rewarding because, even if it’s only for a moment, we can be a glimmer of light in their day. We can educate patients and their families, empowering them to better themselves.
What does this nomination and receiving a DAISY Award mean to you?
Teri: I think most of us strive to be the best nurse we can be, so receiving this award is a nice reminder that what we’re doing matters and makes a difference.
Tara: It really means a lot to be nominated and receive a DAISY Award. Sometimes we forget that the simple things we do each day add up and can have a real impact on our patients and their families.
What would you say to those who nominated you for the DAISY Award?
Teri: I would say, I hope you are doing well and that I was able to make a difference during a difficult time in your life.
Tara: I just want to show my appreciation and thank them for taking the time to talk about us as healthcare providers.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in nursing?
Teri: For some of our patients, being admitted to the hospital can be one of the scariest moments they go through. My advice would be to always have an empathetic heart. You never know what patients are going through before they come through our doors.
Tara: One of the greatest things about nursing is that it opens up so many different paths, avenues and job opportunities. I would tell anyone interested in the field how rewarding and challenging the career can be. As nurses, we tend to take care of others first and put ourselves on the back burner, but we must take care of ourselves. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish.
What does it mean to see one another win such a prestigious award?
Teri: Tara is an amazing co-worker and nurse! I know she will continue to do great things because she has such a big heart and a wonderful personality.
Tara: I am so proud of Teri! Without a doubt, she is someone that cares deeply for her patients. I had the pleasure of working a bit alongside Teri on the night shift, but I’ve recently moved to days, so we only get to see each other in passing now. But, like myself, Teri is a single mom. She rocks at it, then comes to work each day and continues to give 100% of herself. She deserves the world, and Parkview is lucky to have her on board!
Making a nomination
Nurses can be nominated for a DAISY Award by anyone – patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, clinicians and staff. Anyone who has experienced or observed extraordinary and compassionate care provided by a nurse may nominate that individual for consideration.
If you or a loved one have received exceptional care from a nurse and would like to nominate them, please share your story at DAISY@parkview.com.
