Michelle Smith, RN, Emergency Center, became the 94th Blessing Hospital nurse to receive the international DAISY award for her extraordinary nursing care during a ceremony on March 29, 2024.
Michelle was nominated by the mother of a 12-year-old patient who had been in an accident and needed to be transferred to a higher level of care, meaning the patient would miss the school play in which they were to appear. The nomination read, in part:
“My daughter was very upset. Michelle not only comforted her, but bought her a special bracelet where you can track a sea turtle, since the play my daughter was in was “Finding Nemo.” That bracelet cheered her up and is a special memory we now have from that bad accident. Thank you so much for your kindness and going above and beyond.”
DAISY stands for “Diseases Attacking the Immune System.” The family of a 33-year-old man, who died of an immune system disorder, began the program in 1999 to honor his memory by recognizing extraordinary nurses everywhere who make a difference in the lives of people by the work they do every day. More than 5,400 healthcare providers and nursing education programs worldwide participate in the DAISY Award program.
DAISY award nomination forms are located on all nursing units throughout Blessing Hospital and on the internet at blessinghealth.org/recognize.