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"When you're going through something this unexpected and tragic, it makes this process as best as it could be under these circumstances." 

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, surprised Jamie Dubbs, BSN, RN, with a DAISY Award.

Heather Searcey, the daughter of the patient, nominated Dubbs:

"My dad was airlifted to UVA Health after having a stroke. He was admitted to Nerancy Neuro Intensive Care Unit (NNICU) for a few days, before passing away.

"My mom was his childhood sweetheart. They were married for 50 years. Jaime also took care of my mom while she was there. She made sure she had warm blankets at night and snacks and ice water.

"She found her a place to shower in the hospital so she could stay by my dad's side. She took time to get to know her and listened to stories of her and my dad. She even wrote the name of their wedding song on his whiteboard in his room.

"Jamie would talk to my dad ... and suggested playing music which I know he enjoyed hearing. She made special trinkets with his fingerprint and heartbeat for our family. We will have those mementos always. When you're going through something this unexpected and tragic, it makes this process as best as it could be under these circumstances.

"I know how hard nurses work, and Jamie did more than just her job. She went over and beyond because I know she truly cared for my mom and our dad. At times, she even held back her own emotion when communicating with us. Thank you, Jaime, from our family in honor of my beloved father."

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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.