The DAISY Award is an international recognition program started in memory of a patient whose family experienced first-hand the difference his nurses made in his care through their clinical expertise and compassionate care. The family created the DAISY award so patients, families and staff everywhere could express their gratitude and honor the special nurses who touched their lives.
Last month, Akron Children’s was honored to award 4 of our nurses with DAISY awards. Below are excerpts from each nurse’s nomination by a patient’s family.
Kathy Primavera, BSN, RN, Home Care
“My daughter was in a terrible accident that made her go from an independent 6-year-old to non-weight bearing and completely dependent on others. Kathy was her home health nurse and my daughter always looked forward to her visits. She did an excellent job explaining everything she had to do during her visits and included my daughter in her care by allowing her to open the alcohol prep pads. There were multiple issues with her PICC line and Kathy was always able to squeeze her in for a dressing change to save us an hour-long trip to Akron. She reached out to the PICC team multiple times to explain the issues and improve my daughter’s care. Kathy was always positive and receptive to helping my family with all our needs. She is a wonderful nurse with a wealth of knowledge and a heart of gold!”
Cathy Santiago, RN, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Mahoning Valley
“Our daughter had a tonsillectomy and Cathy was so caring and compassionate with our 5-year-old. Before the procedure, Cathy thoroughly explained every step and demonstrated everything that was going to happen. Our daughter brought a stuffed bear along and everything Cathy did to our daughter she also did to her bear. She was the most amazing nurse I have ever been around. After the procedure, Cathy made sure my husband and I were completely comfortable before leaving the hospital. I cannot thank Cathy enough or Akron Children’s for the great care our daughter received.”
Elise Criswell, BSN, RN, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
“My twins were born at 30 weeks and 3 days old and stayed in the NICU for almost 3 months. I can’t express the emotional rollercoaster my husband and I felt during that time. We were new parents trying to learn our role and how to take care of 2 premature babies. We had good days, and we had rough days where we didn’t know what was around the corner. Looking back almost a year and a half later we can’t believe how strong the twins are and we can’t thank Elise Criswell enough for the role she played in getting them there. Elise wasn’t just their nurse; she is now a lifelong friend. In our eyes, Elise is a superhero! She always made it a priority to check on us and make a tough situation a pleasant memory for us. She genuinely has a heart of gold, and it shines through. She is a phenomenal nurse and deserves to be recognized. We don’t think she knows how much her support helped us and the twins succeed.”
Danielle Huber, BSN, RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
“My husband and I met Danielle when our 9-week-old daughter was unexpectedly diagnosed with a baseball sized brain tumor. We met Danielle on one of the darkest days of our lives and she provided us with compassion and reassurance that our daughter was in the best place she could be. Not only did she act as our counselor and comfort, she treated our daughter with incredible, gentle care. She spoke to our daughter in a way that is familial, motherly and nurturing. Danielle has an energy that radiates a light during a dark time. She provided a light for us when things seemed hopeless. Danielle treats her patients the way she would want her own family members to be treated with dignity, respect and kindness.”
