Miko Fulmore, a staff nurse in the Observation Unit, was recently named the May DAISY Award Recipient for McLeod Regional Medical Center. Fulmore, the 18th recipient of the DAISY Award, was nominated by a co-worker for the extraordinary care and compassion he showed to a pediatric patient.

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.

On the nomination form, Miko’s co-worker wrote, “He has gone above and beyond for his patient, taking time to read him books, dance with him, and engage in play with him. It is not often that you see this level of compassion. He has worked extra shifts to ensure that this patient sees a familiar face and stays on schedule.

“Children with autism spectrum disorder often struggle in a hospital environment. Since meeting Miko, this patient has improved every day. Miko has taken the time to bond with this patient, getting to know him and advocating for his needs. People like Miko make me proud to be a McLeod employee.”

About the DAISY Nursing Award
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.