Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Unveils Tribute to Exceptional Pediatric Nurses
In a significant move to honor nursing excellence, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt recently introduced a poignant display dedicated to its DAISY Award recipients. The unveiling ceremony, held in the bustling heart of the hospital near the Twice Daily Café, aims to recognize the transformative impact that pediatric nurses have on the lives of children and their families.
The DAISY Award, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, acknowledges nurses who exemplify extraordinary care infused with kindness and compassion. The Monroe Carell hospital’s award committee selects recipients from a pool of nominations that highlight the remarkable dedication of nurses and nursing teams who consistently exceed expectations in their practice.
Placed strategically on Main Street, this display serves as a focal point within the hospital, where visitors, families, and staff frequently pass. It not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters a culture of recognition and gratitude within the healthcare environment. “This display stands as a powerful symbol of gratitude—not just for exceptional care, but for the heart and soul of nursing itself,” remarked Gretchen McCullough, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, chief nursing officer at Monroe Carell. Her comment underscores the dual focus of nursing both on clinical excellence and the emotional bonds formed with patients.
The unveiling ceremony featured several interactive elements, including a QR code enabling visitors to nominate nurses who have made a significant difference in their care experience. This initiative engages the broader community, encouraging families and patients to actively participate in recognizing the meaningful roles that nurses play.
Karen Keady, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, the system chief nursing officer for Vanderbilt Health, emphasized the importance of the DAISY Award, stating, “This is a joyful tribute to nurses. The DAISY Award is rooted in a family’s wish to honor extraordinary care, and that’s the beauty of it.” Her insights reflect the program’s intent to shine a light on nursing—a profession often defined as much by compassion as by clinical skill.
The ceremony also included a heartfelt video message from Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, co-founder of the DAISY Foundation, who expressed pride in the ongoing commitment of Monroe Carell hospital to the DAISY program. Her words resonated with the audience, reinforcing the notion that the recognition provided through this award aligns closely with the foundation’s original vision.
As showcased by this initiative, the DAISY Award not only honors singular acts of extraordinary care but also serves to inspire and remind healthcare professionals of the profound impact they have on the lives of patients and their families. With this new display in place, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt strengthens its dedication to a culture of recognition and gratitude, ensuring that the compassion exhibited by its caregivers does not go unnoticed.
For those inspired to recognize exceptional nursing care, nominations for the DAISY Awards can be submitted through this link.
