VUMC DAISY Recipients

Read Kayce's Nomination

“Where I really got to know Kayce was during my postpartum journey. I was struggling with breastfeeding and getting my daughter to latch, so I switched to pumping and felt guilty that I wasn’t successful in my journey. Kayce sent a plethora of resources and spent a lot of time with me in person helping me to get my daughter to latch. At the end of the visit, I was in tears and shared with her that I was struggling with anxiety. Kayce showed compassion and empathy and shared that whatever way I choose to feed my daughter is the best, and that it is was not a reflection of who I am as a mother or how our relationship will be. She made me feel safe and that I was not broken. I had also passed a piece of my placenta post-delivery, and I went to the hospital. Kayce sent me a message the following morning to check on me. Kayce made me feel confident when I was scared, reassured when I was anxious, and safe when I felt like everything was close to falling apart. She made a difference in my family’s life.” 

Read Eric's Nomination

“During her first day of dialysis, Eric connected with my mom through kindness, compassion, and empathy. His conversation and care with my mom helped her to feel empowered, something she felt she lost. We watched her eyes brighten as he educated her on the dialysis process and importance of dietary modifications and adherence to the dialysis regimen. We listened as he used words that were comprehensible to her, not a lot of medical jargon. Eric’s professionalism and commitment to personalizing my mom’s education exceeded our expectations. He was cognizant of her apprehension to this new treatment and reassured her of his commitment to make her his priority during the day’s session. He went on to educate the family to better support my mom in her goals for treatment. Eric soared above what we expected and delivered holistic care (mind, body and soul). He has been instrumental in reinvigorating my mom’s control over her health.” 

Read Alex's Nomination

“I was the victim of a traumatic attack and reached out to Bellevue Primary Care after. Alex was there in such big ways. She encouraged me to come to the clinic and be seen. She even made sure that she was the nurse who welcomed me and started my appointment. I felt as though I said nothing, and she understood everything. She helped coordinate my FMLA paperwork and medication refills, but it was honestly her words all week through the portal and her presence as we sat together that helped me know I wasn’t alone. I will forever be grateful for her and her willingness to “walk me through some of my hardest days.” 

Read Miriam's Nomination

“My mother and I spend quite a bit of time in the Same Day Surgery Center. I wanted to let you know how wonderful your staff is. But today I especially wanted to let you know how much we appreciate Miriam. She often comes by to check on us and see if we need anything. She always goes above what we expect and is kind and patient. It is as if everyone here is her best friend. No task is too menial for her to do. I believe that when I see exceptional care, I should tell someone. So today I want to praise Miriam!” 

Read William's Nomination

“I met William Friday afternoon in the ER as he was doing an IV on my father-in-law. He was extremely helpful and sympathetic to the situation. He was called back down later to run a PICC line as the veins were shrinking and collapsing. As he came in, he explained everything in full detail, so we knew what to expect. Again, (he) was super helpful answering all our questions. He allowed me to say goodbye as he was gathering everything he needed and said no rush, take as long as I needed before I had to drive back to Crossville (2.5 hours)” 

Read Taylor's Nomination

“Taylor has truly gone above and beyond from the second we met. I was greeted by her bright and early while I nervously anticipated fetal surgery. Taylor had gotten to work early and was eager to care for me. She was a calm in the storm. She was there for me that whole day and was my nurse for three more days after that. During those days she walked with me down the halls, sat with me and cried over the unknown, kept me company when my family couldn't and truly felt like a friend.” 

Read Emily's Nomination

“I still remember my second night in the hospital, feeling scared and alone, until Miss Emily walked into my room. Her warm smile and gentle demeanor immediately put me at ease. Without even knowing the reason for my hospitalization, she assured me that everything would be all right. That was the first time I felt a sense of calm since being admitted. As she checked on my vitals and administered my medications, Miss Emily struck up a conversation with me. She asked about my interests and hobbies, and genuinely listened to my responses. It was then that I realized she wasn't just a nurse, but also a friend” 

Read Jenny's Nomination

“For almost 18 months, my husband has been a patient of Dr. Rajiv Agarwal, the most knowledgeable, kind and caring doctor we have ever known. By his side, making things happen is Jenny. If you don't know Jenny, you need to make the effort to do so. We all need a Jenny in our lives. We never know what kind of day she has had or what is going on in her world when we see her, but it doesn't matter to her. She is all about her patients. It's like she sees ‘hers’ and she has tunnel vision. It's all about being there for them. She has been there so many times for my husband as well as myself, that we can't begin to count.” 

Read Denise's Nomination

“I saw Denise after a sexual assault ... She provided kind and sensitive trauma-informed clinical care and did all she could to give me back some measure of control over the situation. ... When she had to refer me to a specialist, she went out of her way to make sure I got an appointment as soon as possible. Her questions were thoughtful and showed she cared about me as a person and not just another task on her to-do list.” 

Read Melody's Nomination

“Melody’s dedication and expertise shine brightly in her care for both preoperative and postoperative patients. In the preoperative phase, she meticulously prepares patients, ensuring they are informed … and comforts them prior to their procedure. Her reassuring demeanor alleviates anxiety and fosters trust. When recovering patients, Melody’s vigilance and clinical skills are remarkable. She monitors patients closely, and always elevates concerns or complications with confidence and efficiency. Her compassionate approach extends beyond medical tasks; she listens attentively to patients’ needs, providing emotional support and encouragement throughout their recovery journey. Melody’s commitment to excellence and patient-centered care makes her an invaluable asset to the surgical department at Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital.” 

Read Melanie's Nomination

“Mel was really encouraging when our daughter was a patient. She gave me detailed information about my daughter and intently listened to my questions and concerns about sensitive topics like autism and questions about how I can be a more supportive parent of a child with extreme anxiety and depression. Sometimes there aren’t simple answers or solutions. As parents we are used to being problem solvers, but mental health doesn’t have easy solutions. I appreciate Mel’s perspective as a nurse. She was kind, concerned, and had a genuine compassion for my daughter and me. I am so grateful for you Mel, thank you!” 

Read Keiryn's Nomination

“I was at the hospital with my son, who wasn’t feeling well, and my other kids were understandably restless and anxious about the whole situation. Juggling their moods and concerns with my son’s care felt like trying to keep too many balls in the air at once. The hospital atmosphere wasn’t helping, with its mix of antiseptic smells and the constant background noise of pages and alerts. 
Just when I was feeling pretty overwhelmed, one of the nurses came over. And she wasn’t like anyone I’d encountered in a situation like this before. There was a genuine warmth about her, and she had this way of making you feel like you were the only person in the room that she wanted to talk to. She squatted down to my kids’ level and started chatting with them like they were the most interesting people she’d met all day. With a few well-chosen words and a smile, she managed to get them to follow her to a quiet corner where she’d set up a small area with coloring books and a box of crayons she’d found somewhere. She then disappeared for a moment and came back with a handful of snacks. 
Seeing my kids occupied and actually laughing in a hospital setting was such a relief that I could feel a weight lifting off my shoulders. It allowed me to focus on my sick son without worrying about the others for a bit. This nurse didn’t have to go out of her way to make our visit more bearable, but she did. And in doing so, she reminded me that amidst the clinical efficiency of a hospital, there’s room for humanity and kindness. It was a simple gesture, but it made all the difference to us that day!” 

Read Marilyn's Nomination

“Marilyn cares deeply about those who care for patients and ensures the organizational environment affords nurses and others the ability to deliver exceptional care. She allows patients and families to experience care consistent with the DAISY criteria. Marilyn is the best example of a DAISY-worthy nurse. She will long be remembered and never forgotten for building a lasting legacy of caring and excellence.” 

Read Lauren's Nomination

“I can’t express how impactful Lauren was during our birth experience. When I think back on how scary that evening was, I always think about how grateful I am that Lauren was our nurse and such a comfort and bright light during a traumatic experience. I don’t think we could have done it without her. When we first were admitted to the hospital and our room, Lauren immediately made us feel safe, at ease, and well-informed. She walked us through aspects of the unit and specifically highlighted what they do in an emergency situation (although she said, ‘we always hope it never comes to that’). “Unfortunately, just a few hours into our induction, our emergency situation occurred. Through all the chaos of having an OBET [obstetrical emergency team] called, Lauren was by my side, talking me through it, and a source of comfort. I found myself looking to her (among the 10-15 other people that rushed into the room) for clarification, and I knew that I could trust her wholeheartedly. Once the baby and I had stabilized, we were flooded with information and potential scenarios. Lauren took the time to walk us through each one, and when we weren’t ready to commit to an epidural, she strongly advocated for us and helped us develop a plan for when we would re-discuss the need for one. Throughout the night, she kept in constant communication with me, providing updates on our little boy’s heart rate, and ensuring that I had all the information to make educated decisions about next steps. “Because of this, when our second emergency of the night occurred and another OBET was called, I knew exactly what to expect and was prepared for the upcoming emergency C-section. And once again, Lauren was by my side the entire time. Her presence in the OR was my main source of comfort until my husband could join us. She physically (and emotionally) held me up while I received my spinal, walked me through each step, encouraged me, and even made me laugh a couple times. “Through the unexpected means of delivering our baby boy, Lauren stands out as one of the sweetest and brightest aspects of the night. As a fellow nurse that works in critical care, I couldn’t imagine having a better RN to take care of me and my family. I understand first-hand the challenges of managing a critical situation with grace, composure, and urgency – Lauren demonstrated all of this and more. She is highly deserving of a DAISY Award, and I am so grateful for her and her phenomenal care.” 

Read Kelsey's Nomination

“I have been fighting Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer since January 20 of 2017, and I have been in and out of different hospitals. …  When I got here, Kelsey and the other nurses on this floor let me know that there are still people willing to care enough to help me. Kelsey has done an exceptional job taking care of me and has taken the extra time to talk to me and make me feel human again, and she helped me have my hope back again. I feel like Kelsey should be recognized, because she goes above and beyond the extra mile to help her patients.” 

Read Hayleigh's Nomination

“The news was given … that his brain damage was extensive, and he would not recover. We were shocked and devastated to say the least. His nurse in the ICU that day was Hayleigh. She was able to care for him a few times during his stay. She is an angel on earth in our eyes. … We saw firsthand that Hayleigh Murphy has a giant heart and is a fantastic nurse. We will be forever grateful that she was his nurse on that day. … She is a professional in every way and a class act. VUMC is lucky to have her on their team.” 

Read Angela's Nomination

“I cannot say enough positive and affirming things about Ms. Angie. Wow! God’s gift to the nursing profession. Smart, knowledgeable, insightful, capable, compassionate, down to earth, and, most importantly, kind. I am so grateful that I was assigned to her on PostOp Day Zero. She gave me all her attention — no request was ignored, she anticipated things I didn’t know I needed and she brought a smile and encouraging word every time she walked into the room. She is an incredible nursing professional and an exemplary human being.”

Read Maddy's Nomination

“Our sweet girl passed away. Even though the situation was horrible and unfortunate, it couldn't have gone better. Maddy was so compassionate and caring the entire time. I cope with dark humor and she was very on beat with me and I loved that. ... She answered every question we had with a clear and loving response. She explained the situation, everything that was going on, and what to expect. There were moments when she caught us, the parents, alone and asked multiple times if we were OK, if we needed anything, and if we ever wanted time alone with our daughter, that she could make that happen and we don't have to worry. She was very attentive to reaction, emotion, and overall room vibes. If I ever have to go through death again, myself or another loved one, I would want to have Maddy by my side.”

Read Rhonda's Nomination

“My husband came to same-day surgery for an arteriogram. He was very nervous because he did not go to the doctor often. Nurse Rhonda went out of her way to make him feel at ease, as she could tell he was extremely nervous. She came into the room many times keeping us updated about where we were in the process and what the next steps were. These updates and checking in helped my husband feel much more at ease than I ever thought was possible.”

Read Joseph's Nomination

“Joseph was an amazing nurse to my brother the entire shift (7-7). He showed true care and compassion and made my brother and me top priority. He was gentle and kind and allowed my brother every bit of dignity that he could. ... We have been here 14 days so far and while we have been treated very well, Joseph truly went above and beyond and could tell this was something that he does during each shift he works. He is an amazing nurse. There were so many things that he did throughout the night that I cannot begin to list them all, but I can say he exhibited the absolute best nursing care that I have ever witnessed. ... He is truly a gem within your hospital.” 

Read Shana's Nomination

“Shana received a triage call about a patient reporting high ileostomy output and he needed help. In her thorough triage and assessment, the nurse was able to determine the patient was not dehydrated, but possibly had high ostomy output and did have some medication changes that potentially needed to be made. ...The nurse thought creatively and saw the patient did have an ER close to him, but his clinical picture was not emergent. Instead, she called the local ER and asked to speak to a charge nurse. She explained the situation to the charge nurse and asked if they had a disposable handheld urinal they could give to the patient, and she could then teach him how to measure output from the ileostomy. ... This represents not just the kindness but the creativity and relentless pursuit of excellent patient care from our Vanderbilt nurses!” 

Read Christian's Nomination

“To say Christian is outstanding would be merely touching the surface. I am sure he has many, many patients, but he makes the both of us feel like his sole mission is to give (my husband) extraordinary care. Christian knows that a heart transplant can change people in many ways, and he also knows that every patient is different. Instead of opening up a textbook and treating him like any other person, he allows (my husband) to talk through his struggles and concerns. He knows my husband is a proud man who has struggled with many setbacks. He approached him with dignity, and respect, putting him at ease when nothing else seems to help.” 

Read Chelsey's Nomination

“My grandfather was admitted to the ICU in January 2024 with Covid pneumonia and septic shock. At one point during his stay, he was on a ventilator. During that time, Chelsey Scott was one of his nurses. Not only did she provide him with the utmost quality care and respect, she also provided us, his family, with amazing care. She allowed him to have dignity during a time that he was sedated by making sure to care for simple needs like washing his face and combing his hair for him. She embodies the heart of a caregiver. She provided calmness during our storm. Her attention to detail and ability to handle the difficult task of being an ICU nurse while also being compassionate to her patients and their families are why she should be the DAISY Award recipient.” 

Read Marla's Nomination

“First officially met Marla Houston, RN, on 5/8/23 (then weekly until 6/9/23) but saw her most days of treatment (at least in passing). She always greeted me and asked how I was doing. On our weekly nursing visits (before I met with the doctor), she was always very helpful and concerned. She not only listened to my related concerns, passing information to the doctor to follow up with me about, but would discuss my concerns about other health problems … I am glad she was there and will always remember her. I can’t imagine a more compassionate individual, always helpful and concerned about me — but with a smile that just made me feel confident with everything going on.”

Read Kristen's Nomination

“Kristen was immediately so kind and reassuring that she was going to take the best care of my daughter. My daughter, age 6, had been sick for a few days with a terrible cough and was experiencing chest pains. When we got to our room Kristen immediately included my daughter in all conversations. She promised that she would always talk to her and let her know if anything was going to be done that would be painful or hurt, that she would always talk to her and make sure they made a plan. She was the kindest and sweetest with her.”

Read Sara's Nomination

“Impressed, grateful, overwhelmed by her kindness; these are the very strong emotions that come to my mind when I think of what ED Nurse Sara Elliott did for my family recently. My 37-year-old son had ALS. He was on hospice care at home. On Sunday afternoon while watching a movie, his time came, and he slumped over in his wheelchair. My daughter-in-law was terrified and very upset. Despite knowing he had a fatal disease, she began resuscitation efforts. She called 911 and he was taken by ambulance to the VTHH ED. There he was provided care by the most amazing group of folks. (The staff was nothing short of amazing at every turn, but that is a different story). Sara was the ED charge nurse that day, and ensured my son received exceptional care, individualized to him..”

Read Jeff's Nomination

“I work in Labor & Delivery. Jeff was our CRNA from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. After 3, he passed the baton to another CRNA. Around 3:15 or so one of our patients required the service of Anesthesia. We called the person we were supposed to. They said okay, someone will be there shortly. A few minutes later Jeff shows up in street clothes. We asked, ‘What are you doing back?’ He responded, ‘I was on my way home when I got the text a patient needed help. Everyone else is stuck in a case in the OR, so I turned around. Patients shouldn’t be in pain if we can help it.’ …Jeff is one of the most kind, caring and compassionate CRNAs I have ever worked with..”

Read Annaliza's Nomination

“I’ve seen nurse Zurcher now probably about five or six times. She always makes me feel a lot better about my visit considering I dread doctor appointments. She is always extremely friendly and easy to talk to. Today I was sitting in the patient room and wondering how I could let her know that I appreciate her and what she does and then I saw this survey and thought instantly to recognize her on this platform. Hats off to you, nurse Zurcher. You’re amazing at what you do, and my family and I would like to say thank you”

Read Brandy's Nomination

“The particular nurse, Brandy, went above and beyond her call of duty when I sought her out after having a panic attack due to flashbacks. The sympathy/empathy shown means so much to me, and I imagine always will be ingrained in my mind. Not only did she provide me with a positive distraction, but she stayed with me until I felt comfortable.”

Read Shannon's Nomination

“Shannon is an incredible asset to the hospital, especially the PICU. Not only does she round on all of our high-risk patients, but she always comes by the even hours because she knows our patients get turned then, and she can help us with this task. And she doesn’t just check their skin and leave; she is always game to tackle a bath, a diaper change, a full linen change, or whatever else the patient needs. She is SO flexible with nursing when she comes by for skin checks and she sticks around to help with all the things that need to be done. She also checks in with us on an emotional level when we have difficult assignments. She takes on so many roles.”

Read Amber's Nomination

“Amber was so attentive to my daughter and son-in-law as they delivered their first child. She calmed their fears and established a great rapport with them. (My daughter) has a phobia of hospitals and Amber had her smiling and at ease from the very start. I witnessed this when I stepped in the room that morning. Amber explained procedures and prepared them for what to expect by teaching them. She was very professional but also established their trust by showing them equipment before- hand. … Amber was the best and most caring, knowledgeable nurse. We are so very thankful that she took such great care…”

Read Alexandra's Nomination

“I was so impressed with Alex. My husband came in through the ER and was to have a catheter put for peritoneal dialysis. But while there he declined pretty rapidly. I was extremely concerned and knew he would need emergency dialysis. Alex was beyond helpful to us in advocating to the internal medicine doctor and Nephrology how dire he was in needing the emergency dialysis. I truly felt she knew exactly how I was feeling as a family member, and I was beyond thankful for all she did to help us. I truly feel she helped to save his life. She was a pleasure to have and such an asset to Vanderbilt.”

Read Kyle's Nomination

““I have been a physician for over 38 years and have worked with many nurses in many situations. None have done a better job than this young man. He is compassionate and caring and very competent. He has been extremely attentive to my dad during his week in the CCU and has been a great blessing as he passed from this life to his home in heaven this evening. My family is extremely grateful for Kyle’s presence here! Thanks, Kyle!” ”

Read Rita's Nomination

“I became the recipient of a heart transplant … During the recovery in both the CVICU Unit as well as the step-down unit, Rita continued to be there when I needed someone most. She would always be the voice that kept giving me advice and just listening when it seemed too hard to continue but she always knew just what to say to keep me going. She is an amazing nurse and an even better listener. … Rita is the epitome of what patients need when recovering and an asset to Vanderbilt Hospital. She is my earth angel, and I am forever grateful for her.”