NIHD celebrates Nurses Week with presentation of DAISY Award and other honors

NIHD celebrates Nurses Week with presentation of DAISY Award and other honors

As part of National Nurses Week, Northern Inyo Healthcare District recently recognized several outstanding employees, including Liliana Schmitt, a Perinatal Nurse who received the prestigious DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing.

Unfortunately, Schmitt was unable to attend the ceremony, but Chief Operations and Nursing Officer (CONO) Allison Partridge assured that she would be celebrated with her unit and colleagues on a later date.

The DAISY Award is an international recognition that celebrates nurses who provide skillful and compassionate care. To receive the DAISY Award, patients, patient families, or colleagues nominate nurses who they feel provide extraordinary care. At NIHD, a two-tiered selection committee reviews nominations and selects one DAISY Award winner annually.

Schmitt, nominated by NIHD Perinatal Nurse Manager Cristina Boctor and supported by patient nominations, has made a significant impact in her short time at NIHD.

Boctor praised Schmitt’s nursing knowledge, problem-solving skills, and compassionate patient-centered evidence-based care, noting her leadership qualities and her role in updating unit policies.

“As one of the primary preceptors on the Perinatal Unit, she is a resource to many of her co-workers and those from other units seeking direction,” Boctor wrote. “Liliana is a natural leader who immediately begins working on a solution when a concern or issue is identified while considering various avenues of impact. Liliana’s care and bedside manner is impeccable, which is likely a leading reason why she has received several DAISY nominations to date.”

Schmitt also was commended in one of those additional nominations from a new mother for her inclusive approach and informative practices. “Liliana’s way of including my daughter in activities with my newborn son was heartwarming,” the mother wrote. “She is very knowledgeable and informative with her practices and how she expresses them. Liliana has been the most helpful since we first arrived, and we cannot thank her enough or be more appreciative.”

Other nominees for the DAISY Award included Fabio Moraes, an Intensive Care Unit Relief Nurse; Jonna Baker, a Perinatal Nurse; and Lynn Kruse, a Specialty Clinic Registered Nurse and last year’s DAISY recipient.

In addition to the DAISY Award, Shawna Johnson, a NIHD surgical nurse, received the “Rookie of the Year Award” for her excellence and contributions to the surgical team. Johnson’s speed in completing training, grasp of complex procedures, and positive approach were highlighted, along with her efforts to improve workflow efficiencies and patient care.

“Even more, Shawna possesses a positive attitude that is infectious to those around her,” her nomination read. “Her dedication to providing excellent patient care is evident in every interaction, making a lasting impact on those she cares for. We could not be happier to have her as part of our team.”

Ashley Weatherford, NIHD’s Mammography X-ray lead, earned the annual Good Catch Award for her attention to detail, which prevented potential patient harm. Weatherford noticed a discrepancy between expected and actual results in a specific imaging case, demonstrating her commitment to patient safety.

According to CONO Partridge, Weatherford’s “good catch” greatly affected several NIHD departments, enhancing care for all patients. “I cannot express how proud I am of you for speaking up and for your absolute attention to detail,” Partridge told Weatherford.

Cheryl Carter, a Registered Nurse First Assist of the Perioperative team, received the Spirit Award for exemplifying the mission and core values of the District. Carter’s dedication, skill, and ability to anticipate surgeon’s needs were praised, making her an invaluable asset to the surgical team and a role model for other nurses.

“It is no surprise that every surgeon wants her in their room,” her nomination read. Both Carter and Johnson were nominated for their awards by the collective NIHD surgical team.

These awards highlight the care and dedication of Northern Inyo Healthcare District’s team and display their commitment to providing the highest quality of care to their patients.

About Northern Inyo Healthcare District: Founded in 1946, Northern Inyo Healthcare District features a 25-bed critical access hospital, a 24-hour emergency department, a primary care rural health clinic, a diagnostic imaging center, and a rehabilitation service for physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy. We also offer clinics specializing in orthopedics, cardiology, urology, women’s health, pediatrics and allergies, general surgery, colorectal surgery, and breast cancer surgery. Continually striving to improve the health outcomes for those who rely on us for care, NIHD aims to improve our communities, one life at a time. One team, one goal, your health.

News Staff