Rachel learned she would need a hysterectomy. Her nurse Chamika Gilmer-Smith gave her strength when she felt alone. “I was afraid. Neither my sisters nor my mom were there, but God sent me a nurse who not only took excellent care of me as a patient, but her presence was like my big sister. Chamika has the most positive disposition, always smiling and very encouraging.”
The day of surgery, Rachel learned Chamika wasn’t working that day.
“I was sad, but around 5:00 p.m. my phone rang and it was her calling to check on me and to see how I was feeling. She will never be forgotten for all of the work she did, and going above and beyond by calling to make sure I was doing well after my procedure. Through lupus, gastroparesis, electrolyte imbalance and all of my other health issues, Chamika was by far one of the best nurses I’ve had at Baptist Women’s. I thank Chamika from the bottom of my heart!
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Baptist Union County” state=”close”]
Baptist Union County named Melissa Jackson, RN, Outpatient Surgery , as the DAISY Award recipient.
Melissa was nominated by several patients who praised her for her compassion and kindness. “Her knowledge of universal precautions was a relief. Upon leaving the hospital, I had the knowledge I needed regarding expectations for the next few days,” wrote one patient. “I hope that if I’m ever in the hospital again, that she will be my care provider.” Another patient commented that Melissa was a kind and thoughtful nurse.
“It is an honor to recognize Melissa for her compassion and professionalism,” said Randy White, chief nursing officer at Baptist Union County. [/toggle] [toggle title=”Baptist Golden Triangle” state=”close”] Katie Brown, RN, Women’s Services, who was selected as the DAISY Award winner for the third quarter, was nominated by a patient who came in for minimally invasive surgery.
“Katie treated me like I was the most important patient to her. She is such a kind and humble person with an eagerness to please,” the nominee stated.
Katie went out of her way to find the patient some applesauce when she was not up to eating cafeteria meals. “Katie exemplified such a passion for caring for me during my stay. I can truly tell she loves her job, and it shows in her willingness to please and her always smiling face. My story may not be the greatest, but I definitely think Katie is!” the patient said.
Katie lives in West Point, Miss., and has been a team member at Baptist Golden Triangle since May 2013.
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Baptist DeSoto” state=”close”]
Aimee Grant, Hospice RN, North Mississippi Home Care, shared her nomination about DAISY winner Perry Pettie:
“It is not unusual for me to be on the eighth floor and see Perry going out of his way to help patients and other nurses. In April, I sent a home hospice patient to the eighth floor. The patient was in respiratory distress and in pain.
The patient’s sister was panicked and hospice team members tried to discuss the patient’s code status. In her panic, the sister could not make the difficult decision to not resuscitate her sister, whose survival was doubtful.
Perry was the charge nurse that day, and he took it upon himself to talk with the patient’s sister. He couldn’t stand the thought of the sister being traumatized by watching her resuscitation.
Perry made her truly understand that her sister would pass away and that coding her would unlikely bring her back. She was able to confidently make her sister a DNR. That patient passed away comfortably and peacefully. The sister was extremely grateful to Perry for taking time to speak with her and help her make the best decision.”
[/toggle]
[toggle title=”NEA Baptist” state=”close”]
Victoria Pinson, BSN, RN, works in the Labor & Delivery/GYN/Nursery unit (3 West), and for one patient, her presence meant the world.
“I came to the emergency room with chest pains and nausea. I was almost 38 weeks pregnant. I was quickly admitted for pre-eclampsia for an overnight stay. Victoria was my room nurse.
The next morning I wasn’t any better, so the doctors decided to deliver the baby. After delivery my uterus inverted and I was bleeding profusely. Emotionally I was breaking. The pain was excruciating and I was scared! Victoria talked me through every contraction and the whole labor. She praised me, wouldn’t let me quit, held my hand and never left my side.
When I was wheeled off to emergency surgery, she was my husband’s shadow. Crying with him but also being his source of strength. I will forever be grateful and in debt to her. I know it is her job but she went above and beyond. She treated me like family. I don’t know how I could have done it without her.”
[/toggle]