DAISY Award Winners
UC San Diego Health System's Four DAISY Award Winners for Dec 2011:
Cristen Krause RN 11PCU
The first night Christen was introduced to me as my nurse I felt like I knew her as a friend for years. She has a very easy personality to like. Friendly but confident in her profession. She asked me what I needed that night that would make me feel more at home, I told her that I had not had a soda for months; she said that she would see what she could do. An hour later she came in the room and said "guess what, I found a Pepsi in the break room" and would I like it on ice. It might sound trivial to you, but to me it made my night! I shared some Reese's cups with her as we talked about our favorite late night TV show, it was the same "Adult Swim"!
She was very informative about all the procedures and meds she was administering. I looked forward to having her as my nurse every night!
One of the things about this period in time, I was dealing with the choice of keeping my right leg or having it amputated and Christen knew that I was going through this tough time. Christen did all she could to keep me happy and keep my mind from getting too depressed. But when I had questions she was always there with wise answers about amputation. After the surgery she was very helpful in keeping me comfortable! She is a great nurse!
Susan Hartnett RN 10 East Telemetry
I would like to nominate Susan Hartnett RN from 10 East for the Daisy award. She consistently demonstrates all of the qualities of a compassionate and caring nurse including: educating patients and their families, making patient needs her first priority-above her own needs, willingly taking on assignments that other nurses shy away from because of difficulty and/or neediness, and taking time to sit in patient rooms and talk with them about their care, fears, anxieties while helping to promote a positive and realistic focus on the future. Susan is also trained in healing touch and takes the time during her shifts to not only do healing touch on her patients, but on other identified patients as well. She is able to facilitate positive relationships with even the most difficult of patients because she recognizes their behavior as a response to their illness and hospitalization and takes the time to get at the heart of the patient's issues.
We recently had a patient on our unit that had been hospitalized for several months; she was extremely ill with multiple comorbidities that impeded her healing. The patient's husband was very accusatory, angry about his wife's situation and previous care and was constantly approaching our staff with negativity. The patient's acuity was extremely high and she required constant care and supervision.
Susan was able to establish a positive relationship with the husband and the patient, to the point that the husband only felt comfortable having the patient cared for on our unit and due to the trust Susan and the family had developed, she took care of this patient on every shift that she worked for the four months the patient was admitted to the unit. Susan was able to get the husband to focus on what was best for his wife and what her needs were instead of focusing on his frustration with past care. Susan identified subtle changes in the patient's condition: her mental status, urine output and color, slight blood pressure decreases and facilitated an RRT that resulted in identifying a brewing UTI, subsequently getting the patient on antibiotics. Susan was very proactive during the patient's hospitalization in communicating with attending physicians about patient issues, concerns and discharge goals. While Susan cared for this patient, the demeanor of the husband was entirely different; the accusations and anger subsided and he smiled more often, participated in his wife's care and communicated positively.
Lastly, I would just like to mention the impression that Susan left with this family. Susan's father was diagnosed with a brain tumor while she was caring for the patient; she had to take a couple of weeks off because of his rapidly declining health and eventual passing. When the patient's husband learned of Susan's loss, he was very saddened and inquired about the funeral. He had a large arrangement of flowers sent to the church to express his condolences.
Melanie Nelson RN Med Surg Ortho Neuro Trauma
I would like to nominate Melanie Nelson from the 8th floor unit as a deserving recipient of the DAISY Award.
Mel has been in the 8th floor for more than a year now and already made a difference in the lives of the patients she took care of. She always has the positive energy and the enthusiasm to work with a smile on her face that eases her out her patients' suffering. She handles difficult patients well and intently listens to their worries and tries to find solutions for them even if she needs to go extra mile.
We have one patient on the floor that kept coming back for failure to thrive, she also has multiple sclerosis and other co-morbidities, and patient lives alone. Melanie was able to establish connection with her while in the hospital. The patient is stuck in bed with no friends and her life slowly slipping away from her. Mel was able to provide her "small needs" that made a lot of difference; an ear to listen, an ice cream, a bar of chocolate, a trip outside the store and someone whom she can call a friend. When the patient got discharged, Mel visits her and even brings her to some of her doctor's appointment.
This is just an example of how she touched the lives of the patients; she always gets compliments from them saying how wonderful their experiences were while they were on this unit. Most of the patients request her to be the nurse when they come back for another surgery.
I happen to ask Mel what inspired her to do this amazing job in making her patients happy and satisfied and she provided me a brief background about herself. She grew up with nurses all around, her aunts and uncles and even her husband belong to a family of RN's. What influenced her mostly was going with her mom and aunt when they worked home health. As a kid, she would go with them on their home visits and help perform ADL's. She had an aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer and she vividly recalled that their dining room turned into a hospital room and helped her mom took care of her while she received chemo and radiation. Her aunt was placed in a nursing home until she eventually was put in a hospice care. Mel remembered all the small things she couldn't't do for herself and how the staff wasn't always around to help her. She took that into consideration now while taking care of her patients. It's the small things that really count.
Mel states that she only does what any caring person would do as she believes in the Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
Anne Stuard RN 5 West PCU
I would like to nominate Anne Stuard from 5 West PCU. Perhaps the most appropriate way to describe the caring attributes of Anne Stuard is to hear the story from a patient's mother perspective. "My son has been in the hospital for over a month. I have witnessed the great care of many nurses throughout the hospital. However, Anne epitomizes a nurse. My son has difficulty communicating due to his injuries but Anne has made a connection with him that he doesn't have with anyone else. I've noticed that when Ann is his nurse he is more relaxed and his heart rate is lower. I sense that he is comforted that she is there to care for him even though he cannot speak. She touches his arm when she speaks to him. Her voice is always soothing. She caresses his head letting him know she is near. The room he is in is a busy room where everyone has a monitor, lights, and buzzers going off. Yet she finds the time to provide this same caring nature to all of her patients in this room. I (we) are very fortunate to have Ann caring for our son during this difficult time. It makes my day when I see that Anne is my son's nurse. I know today is a good day. "
We agree that Anne possess a quality that is innate and not taught. She is frequently mentioned by patients and staff for being an exceptionally caring nurse. She advocates for her patients and was recently acknowledged for bridging the communication gap between a patient and physician. The patient was so taken back by her efforts that she was able to gain this patient's trust in our healthcare system. She is a team player and has quickly gained the respect of her peers on 5west. We feel Anne is very deserving of the Daisy Award. Thank you for your consideration.
Previous 2011 DAISY Award winners:
- Natasha Norwood RN 3 East Med Surg
- Ian King RN Burn ICU
- July Monera RN Burn ICU
- Georgina Santiago RN Senior Behavioral Health
- Eric Santibanez RN Med Surg 3 East
Sharon Delgadillo RN, Moores Cancer Center Infusion
While it is amazing to see the heroic stories of the top nurses, often forgotten are those in the trenches who are so dedicated that they give much more to their patients than one would believe is humanly possible, while somehow managing to avoid the limelight. My oncology nurse, Sharon Delgadillo falls into that class.
For almost two years she has been my primary nurse through chemotherapy and a very tough bone marrow transplant. Before I met Sharon, I didn't know that type of genuine caring individual really existed. I believed it to be a myth. Her compassion, concern, knowledge and skills are beyond anything I have ever witnessed. Other nurses and patients come to her daily with questions and concerns. She is always patient, understanding and helpful. Always. I have never heard her complain once, nor have I ever heard anyone talk poorly about her. She is definitely a "go to" nurse, who cares more about her patients and their health than anyone I have ever met. She has given me her cell number in case of questions, rejoices with me when my numbers are good, and is sad when they are bad. She checks in on me when I'm in another part of the clinic, and calls me after my doctor appointments to see if there is anything she can do. After two years, that's not something you fake. It is real. And as a former podiatric surgeon, I am not the easiest patient to deal with.
Sharon doesn't have to do ANY of that. She could draw my blood, give me my medications, and walk away. but she cares. She really cares. Not just about me, but ALL of her patients. She is so much more than other nurses aspire to be. She is the type of PERSON that we would all love to become! Sharon doesn't just take care of me, but makes me want to be a better person. Now THAT is what a top nurse is all about.
Kellie Freeborn NP, Owen Clinic
My beloved brother Michael Svec was a patient at the Owen Clinic. His condition was slowly deteriorating when he moved in with my family during August 2008. As soon as he arrived back in San Diego, he was seen the same week at the clinic. He was assigned to Kellie Freeborn, NP. I would go with Michael to the clinic whenever he felt that he needed some assistance but for the most part he would go himself. He was a very independent man. I cam to know Kellie better as Michael's condition worsened after suffering a stroke in May 2009. The stroke left him with mild neurological deficits. He was HIV+ for 18 plus years and was very compliant with his medication. I would go with Michael each time he met with Kellie at his request. He just adored Kellie and I could see that they had an excellent rapport. She is so professional. Her level of care and concern for Michael was more than my family and I could ever expect. She helped us with EVERYTHING. Whenever anything needed to be done, she was either on the phone calling an individual who could assist us or giving us contact information. She would be so aware of his health status that when we walked into see her, she knew what had already occurred without us even mentioning it. She was in close contact with Michael's team of physicians and this brought a sense of security to us. Besides being a patient of the Owen Clinic, Michael was also under the care of Dr. David Lee, Dr. Ronald Elis and Dr. Niren Angle assisted by his nurse Heidi Smith. The pharmacy also helped Michael extensively in an effort to get all the medications he required with insurance issues. Kellie would initiate all referrals that she felt he required.
One evening Kellie and another physician were doing rounds and stopped by Michael's room on the 11th floor. I could tell by her compassion and mannerism how the whole clinic is run. It was an honor to meet Kellie and I would like to thank you for your tireless research and time in the fight against AIDS/HIV.
It would be a dream if Kellie received some form of appreciation/recognition. Her work ethic is superb. I have been in the health care industry for 38 plus years and have NEVER met a nurse quite like her. There are no words to express our sincere appreciation for her. She is one of God's angels on Earth , doing his work.
We so appreciate the care that Michael received at UCSD from all the members of the Owen Clinic as well as the hospital staff. We felt Michael was in excellent hands.
In closing, Kellie is like no other-just phenomenal. While Michael was progressively deteriorating I was unable to be by his side 24 hours. I was there at 7:00am each day to be there for rounds but had had to leave for work and then I would come back at 4:00pm with my Mom. Just about every day, Kellie would visit with Michael at her lunchtime to check on him to be sure he was okay. she would leave me a little note documenting her visit. For that, my family and I will be forever grateful.
Thank you for all that you do.
Marti Demeyere RN, CCU
While visiting California my husband became seriously ill. He was admitted to UCSD on Feb. 7th 2011. He was been in CCU for nearly 6 weeks now. He has had several nurses caring for him during this stay. the care he has received from all of the staff has been exceptional. However there was an act of kindness from on of the nurses that went above and beyond her job description, that nurse is Marti Demeyere. Because my husband was in the CCU and heavily sedated, she knew that he wouldn't be able to buy me flowers for Valentine's Day as he normally does. She took the time on her day off to go to the store to get me a bouquet of flowers. She then called the unit secretary at UCSD to ask him to call her when I arrived at the hospital. Marti drove from her home which is approximately 45 minutes away to deliver the flowers (again it was her day off). This was not something she had to do, but something she wanted to do. Her gesture will be one of the happy memories I'll take home with me when we leave UCSD. The stress and anxiety one feels when a loved one is critically ill, is very high, but is increased by being 3000 miles away from home. Her kindness allowed me to forget about all of that for a while.
For going above and beyond, I feel she is truly deserving of the DAISY Award. Thank you.
Erin Burnett, RN, Moores Cancer Center
Nomination: Erin meets every criterion listed above. In her position as the nurse case manager for our lung cancer patients, Erin is the primary nurse for patients who often have just a few months to live when they first learn of their diagnosis. Erin's expertise and attention to detail make an enormous difference in the lives of these patients and their families from the first meeting in clinic all the way through the course of their illness and treatment, and continuing through their end-of-life care. Erin is a constant source of support for these families, providing information, ensuring that they are connected with all available resources, helping them to manage the symptoms of the disease and the side effects of treatment. Above and beyond her clinical excellence, Erin forms a special bond with these families that give them the comfort of knowing that we truly care about them. Because these patients often have a very poor prognosis and a relatively short journey to the end-of-life, Erin is often faced with loss and grief. It is not uncommon to have several patients die in one week. But Erin does not let this stop her from being close to the patients and families, and her presence in their lives at the end provides the kind of healing that is beyond the realm of medicine. Erin's caring and compassion truly makes a difference in the lives of our patients.
Christine Brenner, RN, CPTC, LifeSharing
Nomination: The usually calm, confident UCSD psychiatric nurse was in tears. Despite all of her training and experience, she was confronted with something that terrified her. As a kidney/pancreas transplant recipient, she was about to meet the parents of her 17-year old donor. Helping her was beyond my skills as the PR professional who coordinated the meeting. When contacted about the opportunity, she had been thrilled. Until the day actually arrived. While any Lifesharing nurse would have helped me, it was Christine's help I urgently sought. Only moments after talking with Christine, the organ recipient was comforted, supported, and excited again to meet the family whose decision to donate had saved her life. There are many reasons I am nominating Christine for the DAISY Award
Christine came to Lifesharing five years ago as an ICU nurse. She acknowledges she misses direct patient contact, but knows she's helping a number of patients by effectively managing the care of our deceased donors. A single organ donor can save the lives and lifetimes of up to 8 people. Recently a physician introduced Christine to his colleagues as having saved more lives through organ donation than he has as a cardio-thoracic surgeon. He also said Christine was the reason he signed up to be a donor.
She makes a profound difference for the family members of our donors, recipients, volunteers and staff. How? By being exceptionally patient in translating medicalese, answering their questions in several ways, if necessary, by easing concerns, and by anticipating things they may not have thought of yet. She explains things accurately and well without making someone feel dumb. She has a willingness and skill to listen even to words unsaid.
Christine has continued to hone her clinical skills and is an enthusiastic learner. She has now completed the rigorous program as a Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator. She earned her CNIV through a project that benefited residents in the rural Imperial County.
And in her spare time?? This mother of five coordinates our annual holiday gift program.
So how did Christine make the nurse recipient feel better and prepare her for meeting the parents of her donor? By gently reminding her that she had nothing to do with the young man's death. That he did not die so that she might live. But that the option to give life to others was a silver lining for a family facing heartbreak. (The reunion was incredible and a front page article covering the meeting in the Union/Tribune the next day saved five more lives. It changed the mind of a family who already had said no.)
Christine Brenner. What a calling. What a nurse. I'm glad she found her way to Lifesharing.
Mamerto "Meng" Marques, RN, 11 West Med Surg
Nomination: Anytime a patient expresses their gratitude to nursing for the exceptional care provided, there is a common theme among all of the cards and compliments received. Every patient mentions the compassionate and exceptional care they received from Meng. Although being a male on a predominantly female unit may promote some very gender biased stereotypes related to men and women's expression of compassion, Meng's caring approach to his nursing practice defies all stereotypes. When he comes onto the unit wearing his white coat, he embodies the many positive qualities that define a nurse.
His colleagues appreciate his team support and easy going attitude. He often cares for the most challenging patients and creates a therapeutic relationship with them. He is culturally sensitive and proficient, putting patients at ease who may be experiencing feelings of frustration and/or bewilderment as they adjust to a different culture and language. Meng is familiar with this experience firsthand, as he worked as a nurse in Saudi Arabia. He is multi-lingual and is always happy to care for or translate for our Arabic speaking patients.
Before shift report, Meng will sit in the Reflection Room to meditate and focus on the upcoming work at hand. Afterwards, he receives his assignment and researches his patient's medical record, so as to not have any surprises regarding the patient's condition. Because he has a proven "pre-shift de-stressor" routine, he is able to start his shift calmly and happily. Because he isn't pressured or frazzled when he interacts with his patients, they sense his calm and are put at ease.
Meng listens with his heart and relates to patients on a personal level. Because he routinely pays attention to the "simple things", many patients have spoken of the positive impact Meng has had on their lives. One such patient comes to mind. J.T. was a patient on 11 West for 3 months and was confined to a wheelchair. He lived with the belief that he was incapable of ever living independently, which caused much anger and distress to him. His bleak outlook on the future translated into hostility directed at the nursing staff. Every nursing home refused to admit him because of his problematic behavior.
Meng had a unique approach with J.T. If the patient was acting particularly hostile, he would sit and have a cup of coffee with the patient, talking with him as a nurse and as a fellow human being- eye to eye. He made the patient a partner instead of an adversary which created a trusting and workable relationship with the care team. The patient developed positive and effective coping strategies from Meng's example of genuine respect and care.
When a new apartment came available that was able to accommodate J.T.'s wheelchair, Meng, like a composer in an orchestra, helped organize J.T.'s discharge, making sure that he would have the essentials to live independently, such as dishes and silverware. He strongly believed in the patient's ability to care for himself. Because of the faith and confidence that Meng so generously showed the patient, J.T. came to believe in himself and embraced his abilities. He was discharged to his apartment successfully and independently.
Meng might play guitar at his co-worker's retirement party or one may find him re-routing his kitchen plumbing. But one thing is for certain-one will always find Meng with a smile on his face, gratitude in his heart, a kind word on his lips, and compassion in his care. As a healer of hearts and bodies, Meng deserves the honor of receiving the Daisy Award.
Previous DAISY Award Winners from 2010:
Jennifer Ballard, RN BICU
Nomination:
A young man was admitted to the burn center with 2nd and 3rd degree burns to 90% of his body except his face. He was 20 years old. His youth and circumstances of his burn made care especially difficult. Throughout his 1 and a half year stay, Jennifer was his advocate. The patient family and staff celebrated his 21st birthday. After too many surgeries and procedures to count, pain management challenges, success, and rehabilitation therapy, the patient was ready for transfer to a rehab facility to focus on activities of daily living. As the day of the transfer grew nearer the patient's anxiety began to manifest itself. Angry outbursts, refusal to eat, weeping and therapy non-compliance challenged all the providers. Jennifer never waivered in his support and caring. On the day of the transfer Jennifer went with the patient. It was her day off but she wanted to ensure a smooth transition. Jennifer organized colleague "road trip" visits to Eric so he wouldn't feel abandoned. The transition was successful. Today the patient is at home, achieving his activity goals and continues to mature in his recovery. This is an example of her commitment to patients and families.
Jennifer is a natural humorist, singer and dancer. To the delight of patients, families and staff her wit and charm is demonstrated through spontaneous arias-classic rock, soft shoe shuffles and photo antics. She can make the most depressed patient laugh out loud.
Jennifer is also committed to universal health through her volunteer projects. She served on medical missions to Belize in 2006, 2007, and 2008. She worked for Project Medi-share in Haiti in May 2010 and is scheduled to return this December. For all these events Jennifer has used her personal time and organizes resources to enrich the lives of those she serves on these volunteer missions.
As a professional nurse with passion for new knowledge and sharing knowledge Jen has 11 presentations at the American Association of Neurosciences and 2 articles. Jennifer is also the primary PI for her IRB project investigating early warning signs of patient distress for the novice practitioner.
Mary Ozaki, RN 11 West Med Surg
Nomination:
The complex needs of the 11W transplant and medical/surgical patient never deters Mary RN from continually providing them with the utmost sensitive and competent nursing care. To Mary, nursing isn't work at all, but it is rather a calling. Her desire to heal both body and mind dictate her nursing practice and keeps her a motivated patient advocate. Her belief that every human being has inherent worth drives Mary to treat her patients as she would her own family. She recalled caring for an African American woman who experienced segregation in the 60s. She looked quizzically at Mary and asked her why she was being so kind, as this patient had experienced so much injustice and cruelty in her own life. She was witness to Mary's genuine acceptance and care, which is abundant in all her interactions. Compliments such as these are not rare for Mary, for she connects with her patients on a deeper level. Mary, motivated by her faith and belief that we are all equal members of a world family and that we all
Mary takes care of her patients, and she takes care of her own. When a fellow co-worker has experienced a major life event, such as the birth of a baby or the unfortunate passing of a loved one, Mary happily gives her vacation time to whoever is in need. Mary doesn't see the need to fuss, for giving to her coworkers is actually a gift for her and is honored to help. When we all "feel better, we heal better." She does good for goodness sake and "does the right thing when no one is looking."
She was the oldest of 9 children and was a natural caregiver, earning the name "Mama" given to her by her younger sister. By simply looking out for others, checking in frequently on her patients, bringing the interdisciplinary team together to coordinate care, and proactively solving problems, she has earned the respect of some very challenging patients. One patient comes to mind. He was extremely angry and verbally abusive to staff. He was at risk for skin breakdown and this concerned Mary. She had a very expensive wheelchair cushion at home that belonged to her father, who had just passed on. Through phone calls and coordination, Mary was able to get that cushion for Jason. She smiled when she recalled how much softer his demeanor had become, obviously moved by the dignity bestowed upon him.
Many patients, who may be experiencing a very difficult time personally, benefit from her kindness and capable hand. She took care of a man who was without a permanent residence, and suffered from skin ulcers on his legs from being persistently incontinent and without proper washing or laundering facilities. Without questioning or delay, Mary took his clothes home with her and washed them so that he could be discharged with clean clothes. When asked what motivated her to do this, she replied, "The question wasn't how could I, but rather, how could I not do it?" She believes that true kindness lay in one's actions. Mary will assemble a team of healthcare professionals and will advocate for their every need, bringing those together to find a common ground. Whether she prays with a patient who is dying, using her mother's rosary from Medjugorie, to simply addressing the patient with dignity, she comforts all who she comes in contact with.
Mary, who asks for so little, is truly deserving of the Daisy award, which would acknowledge all that she stands for. But for nothing else, she embodies the purest form of the definition of "nurse". We have learned so much from Mary and she has raised the bar for nursing standards and professionalism. So many have lost their faith in mankind or the motivation of people and I am honored to be a member of her team and her subtle and gentle reminders of what this work is all about-healing.
Anne Powers, NP Interventional Pulmonology
Nomination #1:
In the 2 years that I've worked with Anne Powers, NP, I have witnessed her consistently going above and beyond in every aspect of her nursing practice. She is the glue that holds the pulmonary team together when they are in the perioperative area. She is an excellent communicator, acting as the liaison between patients, doctors, and nurses as she ensures that patients will have a seamless transition between pre-op, OR, and PACU. She responds promptly, addresses people with respect, listens to their needs, and makes sure that patients are happy and comfortable. Patients recognize these qualities and often comment on the great care that they receive from Anne.
Anne is also an outstanding team player. She completes the pre-op paperwork when the pre-op nurse is busy, she transports patients to and from the OR, and she checks in on her patients in the PACU several times before they are discharged. The day before a transfer patient is expected in the PACU she notifies the charge nurse and gives details about the condition of the patient, ensuring that we will be prepared. There is no job that she is "above" and she is eager to offer assistance whenever needed.
But what sets her apart from other great caregivers is that she treats patients like family. She is connected with her patients on a deep level, knowing their medical and social needs and ensuring that they are met. She knows her patient's family members and includes them in the care of their loved ones whenever possible. She has even been known to drive patients home after their procedure, as some do not have family or friends to take them.
Anne is thorough, detailed, and passionate about what she does which makes an obvious impact on the lives of all her patients and their families. Working with someone like Anne in the perioperative environment is a blessing and she deserves to be recognized for her exceptional contributions to UC San Diego Medical Center.
Nomination #2:
Anne is an outstanding nurse. She always has the patient's needs uppermost in her mind. As a NP she does the routine tasks that are unique to that position but goes far beyond those tasks. With her experience she is a good teacher and role model. She has been known to house visiting patients and visiting medical staff that have nowhere to stay. If any of those need extra transportation she is there to do it. I don't believe she knows the word "no".
Her concern is for the whole patient and the family. All of the necessary information is passed on to the others that work with her. She is quick to see a possible patient problem and acts on it quickly.
Anne is not only a Nurse Practitioner but in my opinion a Really Great Nurse. All these "above and beyond" actions she does without any special recognition except from those of us who work with her.
She also does much community service such as aiding orphanages in Baja California and volunteering to work in charity events. Anne is not afraid of getting her hands dirty.
Photo from Left to Right: Jennifer Ballard RN, Dave Anderson CEO from United Healthcare, Mary Ozaki RN, Anne Powers NP, Bonnie Barnes President and Co-Founder of DAISY Award Foundation.
These winners will receive the following items (pictured below) a DAISY Award Certificate, Tote Bag, Healer's Touch Sculpture, DAISY Award Pin and Cinnabons will be delivered to their units for everyone to enjoy! A DAISY Honoree Banner will also be hung in each unit!
