The University of Toledo Medical Center has honored an intensive care unit nurse and a nurse-led inpatient care team with a pair of new awards that recognize the high-quality healthcare they provide and the special efforts they take to ensure patients and their families receive support and compassion while under UTMC’s care.
The DAISY awards, presented in partnership with the national nonprofit DAISY Foundation, serve to honor the extraordinary contribution nurses make at UTMC.
UTMC’s nurse-led inpatient care team was honored with a DAISY award in recognition of their high-quality healthcare and the extraordinary efforts they take to ensure UTMC patients and their families receive support and compassion.
Lisa Euler, a staff nurse in the medical intensive care unit, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The fifth-floor step-down unit care team led by nursing director Ken Fry received the DAISY Team Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
The awards — the first DAISY awards bestowed at UTMC — were presented earlier this month during National Hospital Week and National Nurses Week.
“Nurses are an indispensable part of our care team,” said Kurt Kless, UTMC’s chief nursing officer. “Effective nursing is about much more than administering medications and monitoring vital signs. Nurses are the caregivers closest to the patient. They are care coordinators, advocates and educators. These awards recognize the difference they make in the lives of our patients and visitors.”
Euler, who has worked at UTMC for more than 30 years, was nominated by someone who wrote that she had gone above and beyond when their mother’s condition worsened.
“Lisa came to speak with me and comfort me. She explained to me the details of the current situations and helped me understand. Her bedside manner, care, compassion, professionalism and relatability was exactly what was needed in the moment,” the nomination said. “While she is busy with many patients, she took the time to provide the necessary care. Lisa clearly takes pride in how she cares for others.”
The team on 5AB, led by Fry, was nominated by a UTMC employee whose own mother had come to UTMC after a lengthy period of visits to rehab centers, emergency rooms and other area hospitals.
“By the time she arrived at UTMC, she was scared and confused, in addition to being very sick. The doctors and staff at UTMC took the time to do a full evaluation of each of my mom’s issues to ensure she received the care she needed. In particular, the team on the fifth floor went above and beyond to keep my mom safe, healthy and comfortable,” the nomination said. “UTMC had the expertise needed for a very complicated patient that no one else could provide. They treated both my mom and me with kindness and respect and we cannot say thank you enough.”
Lisa Euler, a staff nurse in the medical intensive care unit, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
In presenting the award, Kless praised the unit’s flexibility, quality and safety.
“As I reflect on my first year with UTMC, I can think of no better example of team excellence than the care team on 5AB. I have received multiple letters, emails, cards and comments about the truly excellent care that is provided here. Not just from patients but also from the UToledo team at large,” he said. “The flexibility and willingness to help a fellow nurse is truly astounding. I’m grateful to be able to work alongside the team on 5AB, and I’m honored to be able to recognize them through the DAISY team award.”
Fry, who has worked at UTMC for four years, echoed that praise.
“The 5AB team definitely stands out among the crowd. The quality outcomes that we have on this floor are remarkable,” he said. “They feel really good about getting the recognition for the award. I’m very proud to be part of this team and to receive the DAISY award.”
The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. Barnes died at the age of 33 in 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired them to establish a program to thank nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patients’ families.
Patients, visitors and employees are eligible to nominate a nurse for the award. To nominate a deserving UTMC nurse, visit the DAISY Foundation website. Paper nomination forms also are available throughout the hospital.
UTMC will present individual excellence awards monthly and a team award annually timed with Hospital Week and Nurses Week.
