Matagorda Regional Medical Center’s (MRMC) Sara Hartsfield was recently honored as our first recipient of “The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses.”
The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
The nomination submitted detailed how Hartsfield recognized that a patient should have been admitted and their condition would only become worse, if not fatal if left untreated.
Hartsfield contacted the patient and discussed her concerns.
The patient explained that they were unable to stay in the hospital because they were the sole caregiver of another family member.
Hartsfield then got permission to express her concerns to Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Dr. Fabricio Zuniga and to the patient’s friend who had already been trying to assist.
The patient agreed and appreciated the help.
“Through Sara’s persistence, she was able to facilitate the patient being admitted and found a solution that would meet family member’s needs as well,” reads the MRMC press release.
“Sara exemplified the qualities of a good nurse by bringing your best qualities to work to promote positive patient outcomes and striving to strengthen the nursing profession.
While working as an essential member of a healthcare team, you seek solutions to improve patient care and advocacy.
“And certain characteristics of a nurse go a long way in helping you succeed in the nursing profession,” the release adds.
Hartsfield’s current position didn’t require her to reach out to this patient, nor did it require her to facilitate the additional care of a family member so that the patient could receive the appropriate care level necessary for their treatment.
Hartsfield was persistent in her communication, she showed empathy and compassion for both the patient and their situation.
At all times, respecting the patient’s privacy and advocating for the patient’s best interests for a positive outcome.
“Hartsfield fought for this patient,” says the release.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, 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.
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.
"When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” said FAAN, CEO and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation Bonnie Barnes
“Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the superhuman work they do.
The kind of work the nurses at MRMC are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
“MRMC is thrilled to award our first DAISY award,” said MRMC CNO Tina Slaughter.
“This award truly sums up Sara and her extraordinary concern for our patients and her willingness to go above and beyond for our patients. Sara serves as our Infection Prevention/Employee Health Director and went outside of her duties to assist this patient.”
For a complete listing of healthcare organizations currently running the program, please go to http://DAISYfoundation.org
