Seeds of Gratitude Planting DAISYs at Thompson
“Anything we needed, she would go out of her way to make sure we got it.”
“She was so informative, calm, and positive. It allowed me to move forward until I had all of the results.”
“She talked me through the whole thing and made me feel very comfortable. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to help me through my day.”
These are just a few of the recent comments received regarding Thompson Health nurses. Now, there’s a new way for grateful patients to express their appreciation. In August, we launched a new program: The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the compassionate care provided every day.
A not-for-profit organization, the DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes who died at the age of 33 in 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. His family was inspired by the care he received and wanted to find a way of thanking nurses. They chose the name DAISY, an acronym for diseases attacking the immune system.
Thompson nurses – at all locations within our health system – may be nominated for a DAISY award by patients, families, or colleagues. On a quarterly basis, a committee will select an honoree from the nominations. Each honoree will be celebrated at a small ceremony, and be presented with a certificate, pin, and a hand-carved sculpture called A Healer’s Touch. In addition, the honoree and fellow staff members on their unit or at their location 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/Chief Nursing Officer Hazel Robertshaw. “Nurses go above and beyond every day. It’s important our nurses know their work is highly valued; this provides another way for us to do that.”
Hazel noted existing forms of nursing recognition will remain in place at Thompson. These include Star Catcher forms submitted by patients and family members, Cheers for Peers from colleagues, Service Excellence Awards, annual Nurses’ Week recognitions, and Shining Star Awards.
To nominate a Thompson nurse for the DAISY Award, visit www.ThompsonHealth.com/DAISY. Paper nomination forms are also available on each of our nursing units and at each location within our health system. To learn more about the program, which is active in over 5,000 healthcare facilities and schools, visit http://DAISYfoundation.org.