Connect

Laura Thompson "is a true asset ... helping my daughter through a very challenging situation." 

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 Karin Skeen, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, and 2024 BEE Award Committee Vice Chair Victoria Gibbons surprised Laura Thompson, BSN, RN, Pediatric Emergency Department, with an award.

A patient's mother submitted the emotional nomination:

"My daughter, who struggles with mental health challenges including severe anxiety, was transported to UVA Health University Medical Center via ambulance from a local urgent care center when the physician there had concerns about a heart murmur and irregular heart rate. This situation probably would have made anyone a little anxious, but it completely panicked my daughter and she became convinced she was going to die.

"As she underwent various tests and was monitored in the UVA Health Pediatric Emergency Department, it ultimately was determined that she did not have a heart murmur and all the 'scary' medical problems were ruled out. But unfortunately, my daughter was already thoroughly convinced that there was a serious medical problem and feared she was going to die if they didn't find out what was wrong with her.

"As team members tried to explain to her that the medical concerns had been ruled out, she became upset and verbally lashed out at them, claiming that they didn't care if she died. Throughout this challenging visit, I was immensely grateful for Laura Thompson, my daughter's RN.

"She was so patient and kind with my daughter throughout the entire visit. Even when my daughter became upset and escalated, Ms. Thompson remained respectful and compassionate with her, whereas others might have become short with, or dismissive of, someone in that state.

"Ms. Thompson did an excellent job of explaining everything to my daughter and answering her questions in a way she could understand and went out of her way to make sure my daughter was as comfortable as possible and even stayed with her and helped her through a period in which she felt like she couldn't breathe after she was given a sedative.

"I felt compelled to submit this nomination as Ms. Thompson went above and beyond her job requirements and showed extreme kindness and non-judgmental compassion. She is a true asset to the UVA Health University Medical Center Pediatric Emergency Department — helping my daughter through a very challenging situation."

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.