ELIZABETHTOWN — University of Vermont Health Network — Elizabethtown Community Hospital honored Danielle Shumway, RN last week with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
Shumway was selected for the honor after a hospital committee reviewed nominations submitted by coworkers, patients and patient families.
Her selflessness, kindness and the compassionate care she provides were highlighted in a nomination submitted by colleague Kelly Petrie.
“Though doing so is not in her job description, I have watched Danielle give patients baths, feed them and assist the environmental service crew in their duties when they are overwhelmed,” Petrie said.
Always present, Shumway is quick to lend a hand and a kind word.
Petrie said, “She smiles constantly, regardless of the day she is having. and as soon as she hears a patient in need; no matter if they are hers or not; she runs to their aid without pause.”
“Danielle’s meticulous attention to detail, excellent critical thinking skills and reputation as a team player are inspiring. She undoubtedly has the ‘care gene.’ Patients can trust they will receive her full attention as well as excellent care. We are so grateful to have her on our team,” Chief Nursing Officer Julie Tromblee, RN, said.
Shumway received her nursing degree from Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing, where she was a distinguished member of the Nursing National Honor Society. Additionally, she holds a BSN from Capella University.
She is a member of the UVM Health Network’s Network Information and Technology Council, an EPIC Super User for ClinDoc.
“Danielle did not just go to school for this job, she was born for it. I believe there is simply nobody more deserving of this award,” Petrie said.
During the surprise recognition ceremony with colleagues, Shumway was presented with a certificate commending her as an “Extraordinary Nurse” which reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe.
Elizabethtown Community Hospital launched the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in early 2018 as a way to recognize and reward licensed nurses for making a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. Nomination forms and boxes are located at each of the hospital’s main entrances and online at UVMHealth.org/ECH. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. A committee reviews nominations and twice a year, awards the honor to a deserving nurse.
The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. The DAISY Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.