Bringing DAISY Back to UH Seidman Cancer Center

Inpatient, ambulatory staff can be recognized with nursing excellence award

By Sarah Scott, Team Lead, DCRU Analytical Laboratory | UH Seidman Cancer Center

UH Seidman Update | December 2019

We are excited to announce the return of the DAISY Award to UH Seidman Cancer Center! The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpora (ITP) in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way.

We have revised the process to celebrate our amazing SCC nurses, both inpatient and ambulatory. Staff, patients and families can nominate nurses. Look for the posters with QRS codes for electronic nominations or ask for a paper nomination. A collaborative committee will chose a monthly winner, rotating between inpatient and ambulatory.

At the kickoff celebration on the 20th anniversary of the DAISY Award’s inception in November, we celebrated Emily Michelich, RN, BSN in the Clinical Trials Unit. Emily was nominated by a family of a past patient who stated: “We were extremely impressed by her remarkable interpersonal skills. She was a valuable link to Amy’s entire medical team. Emily went the ‘extra mile’ to schedule treatments and medical appointments. No matter what we requested or needed, she NEVER said that’s not my job or asked us to contact another department. Emily diligently fulfilled our requests with a positive and accommodating attitude. She always offered her valuable and very much appreciated expertise and guidance.” Emily was celebrated by a gathering of her colleagues for the presentation of the DAISY Award and cinnamon rolls (a celebration must).