UR Medicine Thompson Health recently launched a new program to honor its nurses: The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate care provided every day.
A nonprofit organization, the DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. He died at the age of 33 in 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. His family was inspired by the care he’d received and wanted to find a way of thanking nurses. DAISY is an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.
Thompson nurses — from throughout the health system and not just its hospital — may be nominated for a DAISY award by patients, families and colleagues. On a quarterly basis, a committee at Thompson will select a recipient. Each honoree will be celebrated during a small ceremony, receiving a certificate, a pin and a hand-carved sculpture called A Healer’s Touch. In addition, the honoree and fellow staff members on their unit will celebrate with cinnamon rolls, Barnes’ favorite treat during his illness.
“We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Thompson Health Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer Hazel Robertshaw. “Nurses go above and beyond every day. It’s important our nurses know their work is highly valued, and this provides another way for us to ensure that.”
Robertshaw noted existing forms of nursing recognition will remain in place at Thompson. These include Star Catchers, Cheers for a Peer, Service Excellence Awards, Nurses’ Week recognitions and Shining Star Awards.
To nominate a Thompson nurse, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/DAISY.