Northside Hospital has announced the latest recipients of its DAISY and BEE awards, which are presented monthly to employees who demonstrate exceptional care for patients.
The DAISY Award is given to nurses who go above and beyond in their care. Patients, their families, and colleagues can nominate nurses whose work makes a significant impact. The BEE Award, which stands for Being Extraordinary Every day, recognizes non-nursing staff members who contribute to Northside’s commitment to patient experience. According to the hospital, “every DAISY needs a BEE,” highlighting the importance of teamwork across roles.
Recent DAISY Award winners include Sherri Armstrong, ASN, R.N., from 2 Central/Cardiovascular ICU at Northside Hospital Gwinnett. A relative of a heart patient wrote: “(Armstrong) knew exactly how to talk to her — gently, yet firmly when needed, and she had an incredible ability to balance medical expertise with heartfelt care. But what stands out most is how she cared for her in her final moments. … Words cannot fully express what her presence meant to us during those 10 days. She is more than an outstanding nurse. She is a true angel in scrubs.”
Lynne Ripple, R.N., at Northside Hospital Cherokee was also recognized: “Having her with me on this procedure made me feel so cared for. She made me feel like I wasn’t alone. She talked to me the whole time so I didn’t feel nervous. She never left my side, like a guiding angel.”
Anna Wade, R.N., from the Women’s Center at Northside Hospital Forsyth received praise as well: “Anna was the nurse caring for my wife during labor when she suddenly experienced an amniotic fluid embolism. What unfolded was terrifying — my wife began seizing and I stood by helplessly as the situation escalated rapidly. In the midst of the chaos, Anna remained calm, focused and deeply compassionate. … Thanks to the incredible team, including Anna’s swift action, my wife survived.”
Cameron Williams, R.N., at Northside Hospital Duluth was nominated by both a patient’s wife and son: “Her care and concern for her patient and his family are outstanding. I know that God will continue to bless her and all that she does.” Another comment read: “Cameron is an amazing nurse. She was extremely knowledgeable and caring when explaining the procedure. … Because of her kind and caring nature, we were able to combine procedures at the Duluth campus and avoid having to drive to another campus later in the day. Her calm and caring demeanor instilled confidence and a peace to my father. What an incredible example for others to see and follow.”
BEE Award honorees include Valin Ledgister Duffus, Food Service Group leader at Northside Gwinnett: “She greets everyone with a friendly smile, answers patient and family questions regarding meals and goes out of her way to accommodate dietary preferences as possible. … The entire kitchen does an amazing job creating appetizing meals for the patients.” Another nomination added: “Thank you so much for your outstanding dedication in the preparation of my food. … Thank you for being such a sweet person during my stay!”
Amy Shirley, patient care technician at Northside Cherokee was also highlighted: “In a moment I’ll never forget, Amy showed the kind of care that goes far beyond any job description. … This kind of compassion can’t be taught. It’s not a protocol or a checkbox. It’s a reflection of the kind of person Amy is — deeply kind, quietly extraordinary and committed to caring for the whole person, patient and family alike.”
More information about these awards can be found on Northside Hospital’s website.
