Connect

"True advocacy, critical thinking, compassion, and commitment to seeing the whole person — not just the symptoms."

A patient shares with a nurse, their distressing circumstances at home. Weeks later, their health is 'transformed.' And for her extraordinary empathy and more — the nurse, Brittany Scott, BSN, RN, ACLS, UVA Health Cancer Care Augusta, has been honored with a DAISY Award by UVA Health University Medical Center Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO).

Surprising Scott with the award presentation: UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Rachel Nauman, DNP, RN, NEA-BC; UVA Health Cancer Services Administrator Blake Herring, MSN, RN, OCN, NE-BC; and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office.

Cristina Ramirez, BSN, RN, RNC-NIC, NRP, nominated Scott:

"I would like to nominate Brittany Scott for the extraordinary nursing care she provided to a patient who came to our infusion center for urgent pain management and hydration. As the float nurse that day, Brittany accepted the patient and immediately began problem-solving. The patient arrived in a wheelchair, unable to transfer, and required multiple attempts before an IV could be placed.

"From the very beginning, Brittany showed patience, skill, and compassion. She took the time to talk with the patient about symptoms and more. Drawing from her previous nursing experience on an orthopedic unit, Brittany carefully educated the patient on spinal precautions, importance of wearing a brace, and urgent need for physical therapy to prevent further injury.

"As Brittany continued her assessment, the patient admitted they essentially were bedbound at home and avoiding eating and drinking so as not to burden their family for help with basic needs. Even though the patient had not shared any of this with the physician, Brittany knew she had to advocate for the patient.

"She immediately notified the doctor, who was stunned by the severity of the situation and stated the patient required emergency evaluation at UVA Health for comprehensive care. He later told the patient that the nurse ... may very well have saved the patient's life. The patient agreed and expressed deep gratitude. Brittany remained with the patient, reassured them, administered [medication], and ensured they reached the Emergency Department.

"The patient was admitted to the hospital, where they remained for nearly two dozen days before discharging to rehab. When they returned weeks later to start treatment, they were transformed — walking independently, eating and drinking, fitted with a proper back brace, and regaining strength. The physician now affectionately refers to them as 'Brittany’s patient' and continues to thank Brittany for getting the help needed. The patient calls Brittany a 'hero' and says they will never forget that their life was saved that day.

"This nomination reflects not just clinical skill — but true advocacy, critical thinking, compassion, and a commitment to seeing the whole person, not just the symptoms. Brittany Scott’s actions changed the trajectory of this patient’s life and exemplify the very heart of the DAISY Award!"

Know a Fabulous Nurse?
"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.

NPGO honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award; patients or their families, visitors, and team members may submit a nomination.