Honoring Those Who Care for Others

Although our patients come in contact with numerous staff members at MVH, those with whom they have the greatest interaction are often the nurses – especially our bedside nurses. To most patients, they are not only the “face” of MVH, but also the “heart.”

I frequently hear from patients about the excellent care they received from our nurses (although they tend to talk about “their” nurses). Such feedback underscores the strong and important relationship that exists between the nurse, the patient and family.

Having started my career in healthcare as a nurse, I know the skill, dedication and compassion required to succeed in this challenging profession. I also know quality nurses are a valuable asset … and a competitive advantage. In this era of nursing shortages, MVH management works hard to recruit, retain, and recognize exceptional nurses.

In addition to nurse-recognition programs already in place, MVH recently partnered with the Daisy Foundation and UnitedHealthcare to present a monthly award called “The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.” We are the only hospital in the region to offer this award.

The not-for-profit Daisy Foundation was established in 2000 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from an autoimmune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The family established the DAISY award in honor of the nurses who cared for Patrick during his illness. More than 500 hospitals nationwide participate in the program.

Since April of this year, we have presented this award to six nurses representing various units throughout the hospital: Thelma Lee, RN, Clinical Nurse, Birthing Center 2; Lucy Good, RN, Clinical Nurse, ATA/EAU; Jenny Crosman, RN, Clinical Nurse, Trauma 4WSW; Nicole Zickgraf, RN, Nursing Team Leader, 3ESE/NE Orthopedics; Sheila Oberer, RN, Clinical Nurse, MVHS ED; and Edith Porter, RN, Nursing Team Leader, Maternity 1 and Birthing Center 2.

Typical of the comments made by nominators is one from a man whose wife and son had been treated on separate occasions by Sheila Oberer, RN, in the emergency room at MVHS: “Her exceptional nursing care made me feel comfortable that they were receiving the care they required.”

Providing care and comfort to patients and their loved ones—that is what nursing is all about.

At MVH, the Daisy award also receives funding from the MVH Foundation. The MVH Nurse Recognition Committee welcomes nominations from patients and their family members as well as from co-workers, physicians and others in the community. Please join us in honoring those who have cared for you or your loved ones at MVH. Download the nomination form here.

Mary Boosalis

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