McLeod Registered Nurse Jeremy Odom was named the August DAISY Award Recipient for McLeod Regional Medical Center on August 16, 2018.  Odom was nominated by Jessica Harris for the care he provided to her grandmother when she was a patient in the McLeod Coronary Care Unit.

To recognize those Nurses at McLeod Regional Medical Center who are true examples of Nursing Excellence, patients, family members and co-workers may nominate nurses for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

“From the moment Jeremy began caring for my Grandmother, he was attentive to her needs and meticulous in keeping her comfortable,” said Harris. “Not only did Jeremy provide her with excellent medical attention, he also brought a high level of compassion and care.  He was personable, gentle, and spoke to her with kindness and love.  Jeremy never failed to take the time to slowly and calmly explain as much as he could to my Grandmother and to the family.

“I will be forever touched by the care and comfort he provided my Grandmother.  I truly believe Jeremy should be recognized for his amazing work. There is no doubt in my mind he has touched so many more lives than just our family,” added Harris.

Odom began his nursing career with McLeod in 2009 as a Nurse Extern.  He received his nursing degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Capella University.

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, 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 way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Nurses may be nominated for their strong clinical skills and the compassionate care they provide. Nomination forms are available on each nursing unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center or can be found at www.McLeodNursing.org. 

Recipients of the DAISY Award are chosen by the DAISY committee led by nurses at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Awards are given throughout the year at presentations in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors.  Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.”  The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.”  The honoree is also given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.