Candice Johnson, BSN, RN, Neal Shavers, RN, and Maddie Hughes, RN, all nurses at CHI Memorial, received the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
A patient’s family member nominated Ms. Johnson. "Her compassionate care during the difficult time of the loss of our loved one. Candice is an outstanding nurse. We couldn’t have asked for better care. She absolutely exhibits compassion, caring, integrity, and respect to not only patients, but family as well," the family member said. Ms. Johnson is a nurse in the medical intensive care unit at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. She has worked at CHI Memorial since 2013.
A patient nominated Mr. Shavers for his "compassionate care." “I am a healthy 52-year-old, I have never been sick or hospitalized. I had a very serious spine infection that came on very quickly. When I woke up, I was in so much pain. Neal was there and took such good care of me.
He always had a smile on his face and was so kind and pleasant. He made me feel safe and let me know that this was going to be ok. This was the first time that I have felt this vulnerable and he was there to help me with whatever I needed,” the patient said. Mr. Shavers is a nurse in the medical intensive care unit at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. He has worked at CHI Memorial since 2016.
A patient nominated Ms. Hughes for her "excellent care" and for being a “personal cheerleader." "After being off duty for four days, Maddie came back when I was feeling very discouraged. She energetically boosted my spirits and told me I was on my way to being a 'rock superstar.' Her cheerful attitude made the difference. She told me she prayed for me even while off duty and that meant the world to me. During a time when my own daughters could not be there with me, Nurse Maddie stepped in to fill that role, and I will never forget that experience and how it helped me on the road to recovery. She made sure all my medical needs were met with excellence,” the patient said. Ms. Hughes is a nurse on 1 South at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. She has worked at CHI Memorial since 2019.
Officials said, "CHI Memorial is pleased to partner with the DAISY Foundation to recognize the extraordinary difference nurses make in the lives of patients and co-workers. Nurses are chosen each month to receive this wonderful award that honors compassionate care.
"At a presentation attended by the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, leaders and visitors, the honoree receives a certificate commending which reads, 'In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.'
"The honoree is also given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa, a daisy bouquet and a copy of her/his nomination letter. The honoree's nursing unit receives a cinnamon doughnut party, because it takes a team for a nurse to achieve his/her best. Tasty Doughnuts generously donates the treats for this worthy cause."