McLeod Nurse Receives June DAISY Nursing Award

McLEOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 22 JUNE 2018

Shelly Vodraska, RN, the June recipient of the DAISY Nursing Award, is pictured with her Nursing Director Curt Keefe in the McLeod Coronary Care Unit.

McLeod Registered Nurse Shelly Vodrazka was named the June DAISY Award Recipient for McLeod Regional Medical Center on June 18, 2018. Vodrazka was nominated for the care she provided to Renee Prosser’s mother 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.

“When we received the tests results that indicated our Mom was not going to make it, Shelly cried right along with my Dad and I as we sat trying to process what was being said,” recalled Prosser. “Shelly was so apologetic for showing her emotions. I don’t believe she realized how comforting it was to know that Mom’s caregiver shared our feelings and tears.”

Vodrazka also elected to remain after her shift to help the family with the transition to hospice care. “Shelly cared for my Mom and for my family,” said Prosser. “She gave all she could that day and I will be forever grateful to her. Shelly exemplifies the true meaning of nursing and providing excellence in healthcare.”

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.