Haywood Regional Medical Center (HRMC) recently presented The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ® for the third quarter winner of 2021. 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 Award recipient for this round of nominations is Nancy Rathbone, RN.

This quarter’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was awarded to Nancy Rathbone, RN, who works in the Cath Lab. Nancy is the first to receive a DAISY bunch pin at Haywood, indicating that she received multiple nominations for the award.

One patient described their experience with her, saying she helped calm their nerves before a procedure. After, they cited several examples of above and beyond care: from finding the patient a beverage they wanted to helping them dress to prevent a fall. A patient’s family also shared, “One can tell she truly cares for her patients.”

“Nancy’s DAISY bunch award – and the multiple nominations she received – is a testament to her patient care and passion for her career,” Chief Nursing Officer Susan Mahoney said. “We’re grateful she’s an extraordinary part of our Haywood family.”

The DAISY Foundation is a 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 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.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues.  The award recipient is chosen by a committee at HRMC to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the Honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors. More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org

To nominate an extraordinary nurse at Haywood, click here.