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UVA Health's Deborah Baker is hailed for bringing a calm presence, clarity, and clinical expertise to an intense, lifesaving situation.

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award. Bill Lombardi, DNP, AG-ACNP, Administrator, UVA Health Center for Advanced Practice (CAP), and Anthony Mallory, BSN, RN, CPAN, DAISY Award Committee Vice Chair, surprised Deborah Baker, MSN, ACNP, with a DAISY Award.

Morgan Kaminski, MSN, RN, CMSRN, NEA-BC, Nurse Manager, 5 West Surgical Subspecialties and Trauma, and Ty Mullins, BSN, RN, CMSRN, nominated Baker:

"We would like to nominate Deb in recognition of her exceptional clinical judgment, calm leadership, and compassionate care during a recent patient emergency.

"Deb was the provider for a trauma patient who began exhibiting sudden clinical deterioration. Deb had created a list of differential diagnoses and initiated an investigative workup. Shortly after, the patient called out for help.

"The patient was in distress, struggling to breathe, and now requiring oxygen. The condition quickly worsened, raising serious concern among the care team. The nursing team felt care needed to be escalated. Deb listened intently to the team’s concerns and was never dismissive. She clearly articulated all potential and differential diagnoses and nterventions performed, then carefully considered whether any possible tests or treatments had been missed. She agreed we had to act more quickly and contacted CT herself in attempt to expedite imaging for a more definitive diagnoses to treat. 

"Within a few minutes of the nursing team’s initial outreach to escalate care, the patient became unresponsive. Deb was quick to respond, arriving promptly at the bedside. From the moment she entered the room, her demeanor set the tone — calm, focused, and fully engaged. Her ability to take in information, assess the patient, and immediately begin coordinating care was nothing short of extraordinary!

"Upon entering, she quickly began assigning roles and directing care with clear and calm communication, which helped bring structure and control to a rapidly evolving situation. Throughout, she verbalized her assessment findings and clinical reasoning, which helped everyone in the room understand what was happening and what was needed next.

"Deb noted the patient had a strong though rapid pulse; however, she recognized the acute status change and the urgency of the situation — promptly ordering increased oxygen delivery via non-rebreather mask and monitoring blood pressure closely, to which she advised to rapidly infuse fluids and she prepared for nasotracheal suctioning. She also ensured an Ambu bag was at the bedside and requested that the chief be contacted immediately. This demonstrated that Deb was using her clinical expertise and judgement, already thinking several steps ahead.

"An anesthesia team member happened to be walking by on their way to assess this patient for an orthopedic OR case and heard the request to initiate the Medical Emergency Team (MET) for unresponsiveness. When the anesthesia physician offered to assist, Deb welcomed them into the situation. The team was in agreement we should prepare to intubate at bedside. Deb confirmed that the ICU team had been notified, and continued her steady leadership. She maintained constant communication with all team members, facilitating a seamless and rapid transfer of the patient to the ICU.

"Deb provided a thorough provider handoff upon arrival. She consistently demonstrates relationship-based care by fostering relationships not only with patients but also their families. She looks at her patients as a person: a child, a parent, a sibling to someone who loves them dearly. Deb found the patient's family and provided an in-person update with sincere compassion.

"Throughout the entire situation — despite the number of disciplines and individuals involved — Deb remained in control. Her calm presence, clinical expertise, and leadership brought clarity to an intense moment. Her ability to manage a critically ill trauma patient while communicating effectively and compassionately with the team undoubtedly contributed to the patient's stabilization and may well have saved a life.

"Deb exemplifies everything a nurse practitioner should be: skilled, composed, empathetic, and a true team leader. It was an absolute privilege to witness her in action, and we can think of no one more deserving of the DAISY Award!"

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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.