Deb Ruiz-Rich, RN, CMS-RN, PCCN-CMC, was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Sarah Bush Lincoln on November 19.
Ruiz-Rich was nominated by a patient for going above and beyond to provide exceptional care during a medical emergency. In a nomination letter, the patient wrote:
“Deb was on duty for two admissions that occurred within three days of each other. She gave clear, in-depth explanations for tests, procedures and medications that the physician ordered. Beyond that, she provided additional materials to answer possible questions that may have been lingering or may come to mind. From providing reasoning for repeating X-rays that had been done a few short days ago, to coordinating times for routine monitoring and lab draws that allowed for a good night’s rest, Deb demonstrated sound judgement and foresight; always keeping the patient’s comfort and health at the forefront. No request was too much to ask Deb. She truly made us feel that it was her pleasure to do what she could to make it happen.
We were pleased to see her training a new nurse on the floor, knowing that nurse would be prepared when her time came. Deb truly showed interest in the course of our medical emergency and the complications that resulted in being re-admitted. What a great example of a smart and caring nurse and individual! Sarah Bush Lincoln shines because of people like Deb. If we could, we would request her each time we were admitted. Thank you for all you do Deb!”
Sarah Bush Lincoln has joined more than 2,700 healthcare facilities by becoming a DAISY Award hospital partner. During the award presentation, Ruiz-Rich received a certificate, a DAISY Award pin and a unique, hand-carved serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, entitled, “A Healer’s Touch.”
The DAISY Award was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at 33 of 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 families.
Patients, visitors, nurses, physicians and other employees may nominate a deserving nurse for The Daisy Award and a nurse will be selected by SBL’s DAISY committee every month to received this special honor. Nomination forms are located at www.sarahbush.org and at all SBL clinics and on patient floors. The forms can be submitted to any Sarah Bush Lincoln staff member, or sent via email to daisy@sblhs.org or mail to Sarah Bush Lincoln, DAISY Nursing Award, 1000 Health Center Drive, Mattoon, IL 61938. For more information, SBL DAISY interim coordinator, Tracey McCord, RN, at (217) 238-4987 or tmccord@sblhs.org.