Linda Stafford Is July DAISY Award Winner
Published: July 20, 2015
Linda Stafford, BSN, RN, a nurse coordinator for the Methodist Hospital Cardiac Unit, was honored at a recognition ceremony on Monday, July 20, as the July DAISY Award winner for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women's Hospital.
She was nominated for the honor by a fellow nurse on the unit, who cited a recent example of Linda's commitment to excellence and willingness to go above and beyond in the care of patients and family members. This was a time when the nurses on the unit were working diligently to keep an unstable patient alive.
The nominator wrote, "As charge nurse on the night shift, Linda made it a point to get to know the family, be available for questions and help ease their minds as tensions and emotions ran high. When it was time for the end-of-life discussion, Linda was right there to talk with the family and comfort the wife."
When the wife shared how her husband had told her before surgery that he did not want to be hooked to machines to be kept alive, Linda responded, "Wasn't that nice that he made the decision for you, so you don't have to?" Linda's sensitive response and continued caring were a great help to the wife and family.
"Linda will be forever remembered by that family for being compassionate, empathetic and holistic in one of the most difficult periods of their lives," wrote the nominator. "She would say she was just doing her job, but she has such a natural, gentle spirit about her that helped the patient's family be more at peace with the situation -- and she helped the staff remain calm and focused."
"Linda is compassionate, considerate, kindhearted, patient-centered and genuine all at the same time! She is such an amazing person and nurse."
The DAISY Award is a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates extraordinary skill and compassionate care given by nurses every day. Nurses can be nominated by anyone, including patients, family members, physicians, supervisors or their peers.
To nominate a nurse at Methodist Hospital or Methodist Women’s Hospital, visit www.bestcare.org/daisy.
