Susan Williams, RN Recognized with International Extraordinary Award

Carteret Health Care is pleased to announce that Susan Williams, RN on Progressive Care Unit was recognized with The DAISY Award at Carteret Health Care on February 6. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses is an international award which is part of the DAISY Foundation's mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day.

Hospital leaders, peers and Ms. Williams’ family recently surprised Ms. Williams during a called meeting. Ms. Williams who joined the Carteret Health Care team as a nurse in 2017 enthusiastically thanked all attendees.

As the smell of cinnamon rolls filled the air, Katie Dixon, RN, and Stacey Ambramski, RN, shared information about the DAISY Award and recognized Ms. Williams’s efforts by having the nominations read by Tonya Fluellen, Director of Patient Experience, Critical & Progressive Care.

An excerpt from a nomination made by a patient who was visiting family “when I started feeling short of breath and tightness in my chest. My daughters took me to the Emergency Department at Carteret Health Care. After several tests, I was admitted for Congestive Heart Failure and pulmonary edema. I had excellent care in the ED and on the 3rd floor cardiac wing. I was impressed by the doctors, nurses, staff, foodservice, cleaners, etc. It was better care than my very good hospital in Florida!”

The nomination continued with, “That being said, one nurse stood out, she acted professionally and entered my room each time with a beautiful smile and encouraging words. She was also compassionate, caring, and had a good sense of humor. My family and I were kept up-to-date on what was happening to my 92-year old body! In addition, she took a genuine interest in my family by my side, my daughters and their husbands.”

The nomination concluded with, “We felt very comfortable with Ms. Wiliams. It was like talking with a longtime friend. Thank you, Ms. Williams and Carteret Health Care for all you do to help the patients, their families and the community. P.S. I am back at home in Florida and doing well.”

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Carteret nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Carteret Health Care to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are presented throughout the year at celebrations attended by the Honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors.

Ms. Williams received a certificate commending her as an "Extraordinary Nurse," a bouquet of daisies, a DAISY Award pin and a meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Cinnamon rolls were shared as a traditional part of the DAISY Foundation. A banner will also be displayed in Progressive Care, Ms. William’s work area.