From left: Kelly Zapata, Robyn Hilliard, and Sarah Wadsworth.
Awards from the DAISY Foundation recognize nurses who provide exceptional care and compassion – either individually or as part of a nurse-led team. Every year, thanks to numerous nominations from patients, family members and colleagues, HUP recognizes these special nurses who go above and beyond. Read below to see how the winners have helped sustain an environment of compassionate care at HUP.
A True Role Model
“There is nobody more passionate about creating a meaningful vision and sustaining positive outcomes for Silverstein 7 than Robyn.” That excerpt from a nomination letter is just one of many examples why Robyn Hilliard, MSN, the unit’s nurse manager, was chosen to receive this year’s DAISY Nurse Leader Award.
“Robyn remains very much involved in the practice on the unit,” the letter noted. “She can be seen out on the unit, monitoring the practice and offering help if needed. She is an advocate for our patients and for our staff; never afraid to speak up if she sees a situation in which a staff member or patients needs help. She is a true role model for exemplary practice and supports the unit in always maintaining an environment of quality care for our patients.”
Hilliard’s “passion for creating a safe and meaningful work environment is infectious. She sees every member of the unit as valuable and is always encouraging staff to discuss ways in which we can improve.” She initiated one-on-one sessions with staff that felt less “intimidating” than an annual evaluation and does sporadic nightshifts to better get to know that staff.
One of her greatest attributes as a leader is encouraging and empowering her staff to take on leadership roles on the unit and throughout the hospital. “Robyn recognizes that empowering and offering recognition to staff is key to nursing satisfaction and retention. That is what makes her a most exceptional candidate for this award.”
Congratulations to the monthly winners of the 2018 DAISY Award for their singular efforts in patient care:
Joseph Canavan, BSN of Radiation Oncology
Susanne Maccarone, BSN, of the PACU
Sarah Dermo, BSN, of Ravdin 9
Nessie Yang, BSN, of Ravdin 6
Runa Das, BSN, of Staffing for All Seasons
Valena Lipske, BSN, of Rhoads 7
Aji Mathew, BSN, of Rhoads 4
Christine Alley, BSN, of Silverstein 8
Maria Ciancetta, BSN, of Founders 12
Alex Ervin, BSN, of the ED
A Special Wedding
While each nurse on a patient care unit has his or her own role in meeting the needs of patients and families, it takes a team effort to truly make everything work. The annual DAISY Team Award recognizes these extraordinary efforts. This year’s award went to the staff of the Donner 2 and Founders 9 medical intensive care units.
The winning nominations described the dedicated efforts of the nurses to pull together a very special wedding for a patient who was near the end of her life. The young woman and her fiancé planned to be married in January 2018 but the cancer she had battled for three years came back with a vengeance and, when she was readmitted to the MICU in December 2017, both the staff and family knew she wouldn’t live to celebrate as planned.
The wedding took place on December 30. “One of the nurses came in on her day off to get my cousin ready to be married to the love of her life,” one nomination said. “They all decorated her room which was amazing … and they set up food and sparkling apple cider. They stayed in the room during the ceremony.”
“My daughter never wanted for anything with the care she was given by the staff. We will never forget them,” said a letter from the patient’s mother. The young woman went home the following day and passed away on New Year’s Day. “Without the love and support from family, friends and this staff, she would not have made it that far. Forever grateful.” (Read the full story at https://bit.ly/2Fea6dC).