We are excited to announce Columbus Regional Healthcare System is implementing the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses! This evidence-based program recognizes nurses in a meaningful way. Nomination boxes will be going up soon near the elevators, those areas will also display a QR code linking users to our electronic nomination site. Additionally, there will be electronic nomination links on our website and social media. This is an exciting time for nurses at CRHS! If you have any questions, please reach out to a DAISY committee member. Members are Megan Sargent, Jeremy Simmons, Stephanie Miller, Sarah Bullard, Shauna Treadaway, and Heather Robinson.
WHAT:An ongoing recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful and compassionate care nurses provide every day. Active in over 5,800 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing, internationally.
WHY:Established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated not only the immense clinical skill but also the enormous compassion shown to Pat and his family by his nurses. When Pat died, they felt compelled to say, “thank you!” to nurses in a very personal way.
HOW:Nurses are nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. All nominations are then blinded and scored by a committee based on predetermined criteria. The Honoree is celebrated publicly with a ceremony. Nominees receive a copy of their nomination, pin, and note.
IMPACT:Research supports the powerful impact of meaningful recognition and The DAISY Award on nurses and organizational culture.
"I want to highlight the incredible support and care Nurse Kalie provided to my 3 year old daughter during her time in the ER. Her kindness, patience, and calming approach made a world of difference in what was a very stressful experience. Kalie took the time to comfort my daughter and explain everything in a way that made her feel safe and understood, and when I stated my concerns Kalie made sure I felt reassured about what staff was doing. Kalie also took the time to hand make my daughter a bear out of towel and rubber bands when the hospital did not have any available. Nurses like her who work in the er often go unrecognized and criticized despite their hard work. They often see such horrible things happen and then go right on about their work day like nothing happened. Kalie truly deserves an award for her dedication, realism and compassion, as she embodies everything we hope for in a healthcare professional."
Vickie Dixon, RN | Family Birthing Center
"Mrs. Vickie helped deliver my daughter in 2020 and my son in 2024. She was like a mother to me. She made sure anything I needed I got and that I could relax. She talked me through everything and explained everything so everything was good and clear to me and my husband. She always said I was a champ and that I made it look so easy. Always made me smile and just made me feel good. She deserves to be seen and everyone should know the woman and nurse she is!"
Heidi Strickland, RN | Critical Care Unit
"This nurse was so kind to apply lotion to my family member when his skin was dry. She never made him feel less of a person for not being able to care for himself. She has the best caring attitude and goes above and beyond for her patients. She is highly deserving of this award."
"All three of these beautiful souls helped me keep my senses when I was admitted to the hospital with blood clots and was being treated with heparin. Medically they accurately explained the process including therapeutic range and efficacy. More importantly they all treated my humanity and nurtured my sanity! They accurately assessed and treated my anxiety without a formal diagnosis. After expecting an easy day with a simple procedure to remove the clot I received what should have been devastating news that should have driven me completely over the edge and into a God denying/bargaining panic however Heidi was with me during the news, and even though she had a full understanding she allowed me to arrive at the same understanding on my time and my processing. She has maintained the same level of understanding and connectivity allowing me to shed the I know best for me mentality and trust her input and guidance. Erin and Kristen will be here with me soon and their calming and knowledgeable presence will be noticeable but the affect that Heidi is having on my mental as well as physical healing are immeasurable."
Cassie Dawson, RN | Donayre Cancer Care Center
"Cassie always welcomes her patients with a big smile. My mom can feel her passion and relaxes better when Cassie enters the room. I recently moved my mom, a breast cancer patient, from her home in Greenville, NC to Whiteville, NC. Not only did she have to get used to a new home living with us, but she had to find a new healthcare home for her continued cancer treatment and follow-up care. Cassie has made that process seamless for mom and myself. She never rushes mom and if she is a bit anxious, she will sit down and talk to mom until she "calms", truly compassionate care. Mom said she feels the total care, not like she is just a number or code pushed through the system. Plus, her blood draws never bruise my mom who is also a diabetic.Now, Cassie has been promoted to Navigator and once again mom needed her assistance in getting a piece of the original tumor that needed to be looked at for the Breast Cancer Index Score. Thinking this would be difficult, Cassie responded, don't you worry, I will get it all done for you. And, yes she called Greenville, NC and all was done without us having to even make one call, a complete smooth transition! Having been a health administrator in the past, I have been very impressed not only with her technical skills, but also her personal, compassionate care. Exceptional!"
"She came out and provided cancer 911 training for my agency. She is and has always been willing to assist the community in any way possible. She has also went above and beyond when called upon the assist with a citizen dealing with a medical issue and couldn’t afford the resources needed."
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