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"Kate Messineo put herself aside to care for the patient and both primary nurses. But this is in no way out of the ordinary for her — this is the life she continuously lives, that day — and every day."  

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award. Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Vice Chair Crystal Richard, BSN, RN, CCRN, surprised Kate Messineo, RN, with a DAISY Award. 

Jordyn Hursh, RN, nominated Messineo:

"From the moment our patient was admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), this story was a heavy and an emotionally difficult one for our team. The patient was young and riddled with cancer containing a poor prognosis. On top of that, on this particular day, the patient started bleeding out of an intercostal artery. The patient quickly declined to the point where they lost their pulse and required CPR [cadiopulmonary resuscitation]. Our team worked quickly and efficiently, and the patient regained a pulse, but was still in very critical condition.

"The patient received countless blood products as well as five blood pressure medications to keep blood pressure high enough to sustain life. All the while, the patient continued bleeding out of their artery and needed surgical intervention immediately. Even though the risk of surgery was high, we had no choice but to try.

"Kate assisted the primary nurse as the patient's critical condition continued to decline. When surgery was confirmed, Kate had another nurse watch her patients while she helped transport and care for this patient in Interventional Radiology along with the primary nurse. They worked tirelessly until shift change.

"This is when I was assigned to assume care and met Kate and the primary nurse in the procedure area. While I received a report, Kate continued to care for the patient: stabilizing vital signs, managing blood products, titrating life support, and everything else needed to keep them alive. The primary nurse finished the report, made sure I had everything I needed, and headed home for the day. I assumed care for the patient, but as I was working I noticed that Kate was still working feverishly. She looked at me and assured me she was not going anywhere because the patient was still too unstable for one nurse to care for.

"Kate voluntarily stayed an hour and a half after her shift ended to care for this patient who was not hers. She was determined to give this patient the best fighting chance. Kate is the epitome of a nurse who sees nursing as more than just a career. Each shift, she goes above and beyond to serve her patients in whatever capacity they require. She did not give a second thought to helping the patient, despite the fact that this patient was not a part of her load.

"Kate's natural reaction to someone in need is to run toward them. And this is not just for her patients, but her coworkers, too. This shift was my first day back after having a friend suddenly pass away several days before. I questioned whether I could come to work that night because I didn't believe I had the emotional capacity and strength to care for an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patient on top of my grief. Kate already knew my situation and as we went down to the procedure room together, I expressed to her that I didn't know if I could care for the patient.

"Kate assured me she was right there with me, physically and emotionally. She filled the gaps I could not provide during this time, and her presence gave me the strength and encouragement to also fight for our patient. I cannot speak highly enough! Kate Messineo put herself aside to care for the patient and both primary nurses. But this is in no way out of the ordinary for her — this is the life she continuously lives, that day — and every day." 

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"DAISY" stands for "Diseases Attacking the Immune System." The DAISY Award was established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of only 33 of an autoimmune disease. The Barnes Family was awestruck by the clinical skills, caring, and compassion of his nurses, so they created this national award to thank nurses everywhere.

At UVA Health University Medical Center — patients or their families, visitors, and team members may submit a DAISY Award nomination.