Daisy Award

Nomination Year: 2024
Nominated by: Patient

Story #1: "Emergency Nurse Emmalee was exceptional. Her Skill and her ability to connect in a compassionate way couldn't be a better organizational steward. She should be recognized as this was single-handedly the best interaction I've ever had in healthcare. Excellence needs to be recognized, and she advocated, educated, and ensured I knew what to expect and was comfortable throughout my visit. Dr. Rodriguez was concise and very helpful in getting me the necessary care while explaining things thoroughly. They turned what could have been a nightmare into the best situation possible. Thank you.”

Nomination Year: 2024
Nominated by: Candy (Story 1) and Laura (Story 2)

Story #1: “From the day I met Barb, she treated us all like equals. She showed no favoritism. Though things could get a little chaotic, especially around meals, she stayed even tempered and respectful to us all. She's kind and a sweet soul. Thank you, Barb, for your true care." - Candy

Story #2:  “Barb is an extraordinary advocate who is extremely invested in her patients well-being in the present moment as well as their discharge. When I arrived on the unit I was a complete emotional mess. I had a ponytail holder that was given to me as an emotional promise before arriving here at SBHU. It was “mental glue” that was holding me together. It disappeared mysteriously from my room and I fell apart. Barb came in and told me that she would hunt it down! I didn’t believe her. However, towards the end of her 12 hour shift at the end of the day, something told me to look up. As I did I saw Barb coming down the hall holding the ponytail holder up in the air! She found it mixed up in the laundry room. It meant he world to me whether it sounds silly or not. 

The Life changer – I heard rumors about the possibility of going back to the rehab program in which I was in which is likened to Hades. It’s why I landed in here. Mentally abusive and all around unhealthy. I became hysterical and I shared my story with Barb, telling her that to be sent back would totally wipe out everything that I had accomplished thus far on SBHU for the positive. Barb put her hand on my shoulder and stated, “I will fight for you!” I thought it was kind of her to say but unfeasible to say the least.  However, she did! She shared my story with my planning team of workers and I was totally blown away when I met with my NP and she assured me that they were NOT going to send me back to Hades. Barb had kept her word and fought. Not to be terribly dramatic but she very literally saved my life and I am forever grateful." - Laura

Nomination Year: 2024
Nominated by: Michael Wietor

Story "On Friday January 19, 2024, I was admitted to Watertown Regional Medical Center through the emergency room from a VFib incident. According to my wife, Melissa rarely left my room. She monitored my vitals, made sure all my IVs were working properly, and made sure I was comfortable, and my wife was well-informed. When I awoke the next day, there was Melissa making sure all was well. When my breathing tube was removed, she did everything she could to make me comfortable. I realize that this may be her job, but she did it with uncompromising efficiency, care, and professionalism. She always treated me with respect and dignity making sure all my needs and questions were met and answered. It seems when I suffer a medical emergency or procedure, I always seem to have some of the best doctors and technicians and now I can add the best nurse to care for and guide me through the first stage of my recovery. I feel very blessed to have her leading my care and treatment. I ask that you seriously consider her for this award. Because of her care (as well as the doctors, nurses, and technicians) I have and will continue to spread praises for my unparalleled treatment and care at Watertown Regional Medical Center."

Nomination Year: 2023
Nominated by: Cheryl B. (Story 1), Chuck B. (Story 2), Co-worker (Story 3), and Alan C. (Story 4)

Story #1: “Michaela is a nurse who deserves special recognition. Her dedication to nursing is apparent as is her wisdom. It goes beyond education. She has a knowledge that is gained from experience and observation of her patients. I was admitted with a kidney infection. Being 72, I have many other health issues as well. I was in pain and my temp spiked to over 103. I was on IV fluids and at one point became extremely short of breath. Michaela was compassionate and stayed nearby. She was patient with my consistent “I can’t breathe” statements because I was scared. Whenever there was a situation like that, she was immediately on a call to the physician on my behalf with great suggestions for my care, and I was soon facing relief. She not only gave great basic comforting care, she went above and beyond that. When I told her about a personal crisis I have been facing, she shared with me a bit of her own life experiences. As the day progressed my shortness of breath continued. I noticed that she chose to sit and chart and do any computer work at a desk near me. Michaela will always be in my heart as the nurse who helped me get through a scary, painful experience.” - Cheryl B.

Story #2: “I spent an overnight stay mid-February of 2024 at WRMC health spa enjoying being pampered before, during and after knee replacement surgery. I had no expectations of enjoying my visit! While everyone was great, my nurse Michaela really stands out as my firm, organized, professional, knowledgeable, patient and pleasant nurse. After my surgery Michaela and her assistant technician Alicia were attentive and responsive. I can be a bit ornery and stubborn at times, Michaela was quite concerned with my proper bladder function as apparently the medications pumped into my body are known to interfere here. After monitoring me for the day Michaela was insistent on using a catheter to relieve my bladder and I was equally insistent that this not be done due to horror stories I'd heard in my past. Well, she won out and the catheterization went smoothly and basically painlessly. Thankfully, my plumbing started working after that, thank you for being firm, Michaela! When it was time for me to leave Michaela thoroughly and patiently reviewed my care since arriving and provided a thorough and detailed summary of the meds and the times, I received them as well as my med plan written out with times and frequencies going forward. The med order was called into the local pharmacy, and I picked them up shortly after leaving the hospital. All things considered, my visit at the WRMC health spa was productive and successful. I'm able to walk without the walker this morning of the second day after surgery. I'll be back for a shoulder replacement in the future. Thank you, Michaela, Alicia and all of the staff at WRMC!" - Chuck B.

Story 3: "Michaela is a brand new nurse and you could never guess it by the way she works. Michaela always advocates for her patients. Whether it be changing the plan of care to be more accommodating for the patient or simply switching a medication time She is very thorough in her care. Michaela does everything she possibly can for each and every person she takes care of. Any patient would be lucky to have Michaela as their nurse. She is trustworthy, caring, and calm." - Co-worker

Story 4: "Great understanding and professional work ethic. She is a great communicator. Always explained the procedure she was going to do. Wish her the very best." - Alan C.