Three Piedmont Newnan Hospital nurses were named recent winners of the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
Michelle McLain, RN in PACU/Surgical Services, Yvette Shushok, RN in the ER, and Michelle Neely, RN in Cardiac Rehab, were recognized as part of a national program honoring nurses for their clinical skills and compassionate care for patients and their families.
McLain received the honor in April for the stellar team work she exhibits day in and day out, all while giving extraordinary patient care. She assisted an overloaded department with patient care, without having to be asked, even after a challenging 12 hour work day.
“She is always willing to help whenever she is needed most,” said Ellen Schneider, RN. “She truly cares for her patients and leaves a lasting remnant of her heart with not only the patient, but the patient’s family as well.”
Shushok received the honor in May for comforting a grieving wife after her husband unexpectedly passed in the Emergency Room. The couple was from out of town and staying at a local hotel so the husband could receive cancer treatment at CTCA. Very unexpectedly, the husband went into cardiac arrest and was transported to Piedmont Newnan’s ER where he passed away. The wife was devastated and her family was eight hours away. She had no way of getting back to her hotel. Shushock connected with the woman immediately and took care of her.
“Yvette took her for coffee at the end of her shift, which turned into breakfast, which turned into her spending many hours with her to ensure she was OK until her family could arrive,” said Michael Zimmerman, Director of Emergency Services at Piedmont Newnan. “She made an amazing difference for this family. What extraordinary, compassionate care.”
Neely received the honor in June for her quick response time and care that ultimately saved a patient’s life. A patient fell on the floor by the elevator outside cardiac rehabilitation. The man was unconscious and not breathing. Neely was the first to respond and quickly gave treatment, including CPR, until the patient was responsive and could be taken to the ER.
“Michelle took charge of the situation, recognized what was needed and administered that care,” said Thippeswamy Murthy, MD. “Without her perseverance and strong will, I do not believe the patient would’ve survived. She should truly be appreciated and honored for her dedication and selfless attitude.”
Nurses can be nominated for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses by colleagues, physicians, patients and visitors. Honorees are selected monthly by a selection committee.
DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, Calif., and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 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 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.
To nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, visit piedmontnewnan.org.
