Connect

Learn how Vonda Lillard "jumped through many hoops and worked very hard to ensure I was cared for." 

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award. UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Vice Chair Anthony Mallory, BSN, RN, CPAN, presented Vonda Lillard, BSN, RN, 6 East, with a DAISY Award.

A patient nominated Lillard:

"Whenever I have a procedure, I do not fear the pain itself, but the process of controlling the pain. I have a few conditions that make it challenging to find pain medications that are effective for me. After years of bad experiences, I now know what works and what does not. The primary issue is being heard by providers ....

"Vonda immediately leapt into action to get me the pain medication I needed. She told me it was helpful I knew what medications worked for me and I know my body best. She was realistic and communicative. She told me how long it would take to get a doctor to sign off and get the medication from the pharmacy, dropping by to give me updates during the process. She also explained some of the factors impacting pain medication administration, such as how the weekend impacts staffing and communication. This all was tremendously reassuring.

"Throughout the day, Vonda responded to my calls and repeatedly followed up with the doctor to sign off on my pain meds. Thanks to her efforts, we were finally able to get ahead of the pain. By the afternoon my pain went from an eight down to a three, allowing me to attend physical therapy. Simultaneously, Vonda worked to fix my daily medications ....

"Vonda also put in great efforts to help arrange my medications to go home .... This was above and beyond what I could have expected and an incredible blessing.

"I always hate 'complaining,' but am particularly fearful of doing so in the hospital. When someone is in the hospital, they are incredibly vulnerable physically and emotionally. After this recent surgery, I was physically unable to stand on my own and fully dependent on the providers around me. The last thing I wanted to do was upset the person helping me to the toilet. I probably was not the most cheerful patient when Vonda first arrived.

"Vonda acknowledged my pain and frustration. She did not become bothered in any way, repeatedly reassuring me that I was not being a nuisance and that I should ask her for help. When I expressed anxiety over pressing the call button for medicine and other issues, she encouraged me to call for her by name whenever I had a question or concern. She continued to reassure and encourage me throughout the day, making me feel more confident and less fearful in the hospital.

"She also took the time to get to know my father and I a little. She said some very kind things about myself and my father. She praised how supportive my father was, patiently waiting in the hospital all day for me to be discharged, doing miscellaneous tasks while I was stuck in bed. Vonda also gave me some excellent advice for when I eventually return to get surgery on my left hip.

"When I left that evening, Vonda noted my appearance and how much better I looked compared to that morning. It truly was thanks to her .... she never rushed me and always took her time with us. She jumped through many hoops and worked very hard to ensure I was cared for. Her warm demeanor, laugh, and excellence as a nurse turned a difficult hospital stay into a positive experience.

"Vonda is an extraordinary nurse and a genuinely good person who deserves recognition for her efforts!"

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.

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