Piedmont Walton recognizes Diane Allen, RN, as the hospital’s first DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses recipient.
Monroe, Ga. (Oct. 11, 2019) – Piedmont Walton Hospital recently launched the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a national program honoring nurses for their clinical skills and compassionate care for patients and their families. In a special ceremony last week, Diane Alex, RN, was recognized as the hospital’s first DAISY Award recipient.
The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Barnes and his family, and when he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way.
“We’re pleased to now offer this international program here at Piedmont Walton,” said Candice Frix, RN, chief nursing officer (CNO) at Piedmont Walton. “The DAISY Award is a way for patients, visitors and even staff members at our hospital to say thanks by sharing a story of how one of our nurses made a difference they’ll never forget.” The DAISY Award is now available at all Piedmont Healthcare hospitals.
Diane Allen, RN, a nurse in Piedmont Walton’s intensive care unit (ICU) was selected as the Piedmont Walton’s first DAISY Award winner.
Allen was nominated for the incredible care that she provided to a patient, possibly saving the man’s life.
She was outside working in her yard one day, when she was notified that neighbors had seen a man collapsed nearby. Allen ran to this individual, finding him unresponsive.
Others watched as Allen started CPR on the man, as the group waited for emergency services to arrive and take him to the hospital.
He was taken to Piedmont Walton’s emergency department and was admitted to the hospital’s ICU, where Allen works. She was able to care for him during his stay, and he made a full recovery.
“Diane was assertive, took action to assist this man, and most importantly, showed him compassion, making her very deserving of this recognition,” Frix said. “We’re so proud of the work that our nurses, like Diane, do in making a positive difference in the lives of their patients.”
Nurses can be nominated for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses by colleagues, physicians, patients and visitors. Honorees are selected quarterly by a selection committee and the hospital’s nursing administration team.
Nomination boxes are located throughout the hospital and nominations can also be submitted online.