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"I hope she is able to read this and to know I really needed her that day and have been so thankful for her ever since." 

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) 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.

Those "3 Cs" most certainly are demonstrated by Maureen Harrison, RN, and for that and more, she's been surprised with a DAISY Award by UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Chair Leanne Davis, RN.

A patient nominated Harrison: 

"Maureen was my nurse in the Peri Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) after I had surgery to remove a tumor from my ovary that was found in a routine gynecological appointment. The six weeks between my initial appointment and the surgery to remove the tumor were, without exaggeration, the worst and scariest of my life.

"I have suffered from intense medical anxiety since childhood, which recently was made worse by [a] trauma.

"Everyone involved in the testing and exams needed to locate and visualize the mass. My gynecologist and oncologist, ultrasound and MRI technicians, nurses, etc. were professional and kind .... and I went to the hospital for my surgery fearing that I would be too scared to advocate for myself or that my concerns would not be taken seriously. I was scared enough of the possibility of a cancer diagnosis and/or infertility, and the added stress of wanting to request female nurses and providers wherever possible without being offensive or complicating things too much felt beyond overwhelming.

"I woke up in the PACU anxious and in pain, immediately asking if my surgeon was able to save my ovary and if she took any biopsies during the surgery (my surgeon told me she would do this only if the initial testing of the mass showed that it was not benign). My ovary and fallopian tube couldn't be saved, and my surgeon had taken biopsies during the procedure.

"Maureen comforted me and always ensured that my physical pain was promptly addressed. She had no information about the testing of the tumor, but she (and another wonderful nurse named Hannah who helped with my care) called my surgical team repeatedly to ensure someone would come speak to me about their findings before I was discharged from the hospital.

"When I was lucid enough to remember that I would eventually be moved to a different discharge area, I knew I had to ask Maureen if it would be possible for her to ensure I ended up with another female nurse. When I explained my history and anxieties to her through tears she said, 'Thank you so much for telling me, because now I know how to advocate for what you need.'

"Maureen ultimately arranged for me to be discharged with her in the PACU, not only ensuring that I didn't end up in a situation that would make me uncomfortable, but that I wouldn't have to meet anyone new at all on a day that had been full of strangers. I cannot tell you how much this meant — and continues to mean — to me.

"My surgeon was able to come and update me on the procedure before I was discharged, and while she did not have bad news, I would be leaving the hospital without the answers I hoped for and without knowing when this situation would end. As someone who already tends to have an emotional reaction to anesthesia — adding the physical pain, the stress of the past six weeks, and the news from my surgeon to the mix — left me hysterical.

"I will never forget how gentle and patient Maureen was with me. I don't remember everything from that day, but I remember her rubbing my shoulder and saying, 'It's okay to be upset, this has been so scary and you were so brave. You are doing such a great job.' In the tough days since my surgery — I have repeated her words to myself.

"I can't say that I hope to end up in the PACU any time soon, but I do hope that if I do, Maureen is there to be with me. I hope she is able to read this and to know I really needed her that day and have been so thankful for her ever since."

Know a Fabulous Nurse?

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award.

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