Connect

"He immediately jumped into action as a leader!"

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 Chair Leanne Davis, RN, surprised Josh Forsyth, RN, with the award at the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Forsyth and other team members also shared their firsthand accounts of a MICU fire and were recognized at an emotional Schwartz Center Rounds® : This Is Not a Drill earlier this year.

Meaghan Chesebro, RN, nominated Forsyth:

"Josh was one of the designated permanent charge nurses of our 16-bed unit. On an ordinary day, he's engaged, aware, helpful, funny, quick to respond, and very involved. He responds to alarms, phones, call bells. He makes jokes to keep things light. He makes a stressful environment manageable — and dare I say, fun? He's never too serious. He's one of the best I have worked with!

"When a fire was reported, Josh ran to the back of the unit without hesitation faster than I have ever seen him run! He didn't know what he was running toward — just that there was obviously an abnormal situation occurring. I saw Josh using a fire extinguisher, but the fire was only growing larger. He went through another fire extinguisher. Josh calmly yelled for everyone to evacuate and 'Get the patients out now!'

"Smoke was filling the back of the unit — heat was felt from the flames. Everything happened so fast. Josh continued to try and contain and extinguish the fire while we all jumped into other actions.

"I can't tell you how relieved I was when it was finally out. He had closed the door to that room and he immediately jumped into action as a leader to address the aftermath. After everything settled down and we knew everyone was safe, I saw him covered in white residue from the fire extinguisher.

"I couldn't believe what I had just experienced and witnessed. It all seemed unreal — like a scene from TV show playing out in front of you. A real life HERO! Josh acted like it was just another day in charge. Although there were many heroes that day, I am nominating Josh for this award for his extraordinary bravery and valor! He never hesitated, I never heard him freak out, I never saw him panic, he never showed fear, he took control of the situation and ran toward the danger — putting himself directly in harm's way.

"What a true leader — I am eternally grateful for Josh! He deserves this recognition!" 

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.