Patient calls nurse “A light in the darkness,” and other DAISY Award-winning examples of extraordinary nurses (Part 1 of 2)
DAISY Awards are given to great nurses all over the United States and in many other countries. Here are VUMC's latest winners.
January 11, 2023
Editor’s note: To accommodate the number of DAISY Award winners, they will be presented in two parts. To see Part 2, click here.
Four times each year, VUMC Voice spotlights recipients of The DAISY Award, a recognition for extraordinary nurses who exemplify compassion toward patients and families.
VUMC distributes the award in partnership with The DAISY Foundation, which was formed in 1999 to honor the memory of J. Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old man who died of complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Barnes’ family was moved by the care they received from his nurses and wanted to recognize them to preserve his memory. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
VUMC nurse committees determine the individual recipients. Previous recipients of the DAISY Award are here. The award is open to all licensed nurses, and anyone can nominate — including co-workers, patients and their families. Nominations may be made here.
Here are some of the latest recipients of the DAISY Award:
Loren Collins Smith, RN. Unit: Medical Intensive Care Unit, Vanderbilt University Hospital
Loren Collins Smith. From the nomination: “My 64-year-old healthy mom went in for a routine outpatient procedure, and started seizing on the table. She stopped breathing, and was intubated/rushed to Vanderbilt in an ambulance. As soon as we arrived, it became extremely clear that everyone suspected a massive stroke or aneurysm, and nobody thought she would make it. … Enter nurse Loren, a bright light in the middle of the worst nightmare of my family’s life. She came in exuding compassion and positivity. … Loren made the most traumatic 48 hours of my life bearable. I firmly believe she was an imperative part of my mom’s turnaround and recovery. She is brave and strong and unbelievably kind, just like my mom. She is a light in the darkness.” Photo by Erin O. Smith
Mitchell Smith, RN. Unit: Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Vanderbilt University Hospital
Mitchell Smith. From the nomination: “Mitchell was instrumental in resuscitating my mother. He never gave up when the situation was dire and when many would have lost hope. I believe he gave all that he had to give. During the critical time after resuscitation, I do not think he left her side. He did not do this because he was instructed to, but because he chose to. That is the kind of person and professional he is. I truly feel as though the care Mitchell provided to my mother is the same as if she were a member of his own family. When I could not be with my mother, I was comforted knowing Mitchell was with her. I trusted him to give her expert care while being compassionate and supportive.” Photo by Erin O. Smith
Aureata Majors, APRN. Unit: Vanderbilt Health Clinic at Walgreen’s on Hart Lane, a part of Vanderbilt Adult Ambulatory Clinics
Aureata Majors. From the nomination: “My daughter developed a severe and painful case of swimmer’s ear. It was hot, it was Sunday, we were tired and nobody wants to be at a walk-in clinic for urgent care on a hot summer Sunday. Aureata was a beam of light and positivity as soon as she entered the room. Her exam was thorough and responsive. She also brought refreshing humility to the visit, carefully explaining things, including when swimmer’s ear would merit a visit to the ER to both my daughter and me. Honestly, my reaction is really to the attitude of caring and interest that Aureata brought in to the exam room that day.” Photo by Donn Jones.
Mason Dobson Blatt, LPN. Unit: Medical Infusion Clinic, Vanderbilt Adult Ambulatory Clinics
Mason Dobson Blatt. From the nomination: The minute Mason called me and my mom back was life-changing. I was shaking like a leaf. Immediately, she put me at ease. She had oil diffusers and mints. She had walls of colorful cartoons. She had the brightest smile. She got me talking and laughing, and the poke was over. … Over the weeks, I got sicker. She became my strength. I looked forward to seeing her. We became friends. I shared my bucket list for when I got well. She took me on my first plane ride. A ghost hunt. We did karaoke. Things I never would have done. Mason has made me fearless. I’m not afraid of the doctor appointments. I’m not afraid to live.” Photo by Donn Jones
To see part 2 of this quarter’s VUMC DAISY Award winners, click here.
