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Elizabeth Massie "exemplifies the compassion, clinical excellence, and patient advocacy that this award was created to honor!" 

The Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award. For reflecting "the very highest standards of nursing practice" — Elizabeth Massie, BSN, RN, CCRN, has been honored with a DAISY Award.

UVA Health University Medical Center Associate Chief Nursing Officer Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and DAISY Award Committee Chair Caitlin Lowman, BSN, RN, CCRN, surprised Massie, who'd been nominated for the award by Elizabeth Forbes, BSN, RN, IBCLC.

"It is with deep respect and wholehearted enthusiasm that I nominate Elizabeth for the DAISY Award. She exemplifies the compassion, clinical excellence, and patient advocacy that this award was created to honor!

"Elizabeth cared for a patient who was suddenly ill, requiring ECMO support in the Thoracic Cardiovascular-Intensive Care Unit (TCV-ICU). During an intensely complex and high-acuity situation, Elizabeth demonstrated remarkable foresight and holistic care. She recognized the patient was a breastfeeding mother with a young infant at home. Understanding the physical, emotional, and psychological importance of breastfeeding to this patient, Elizabeth immediately took the initiative to ensure that this essential aspect of the patient’s well-being was not overlooked.

"Without prompting, Elizabeth paged the lactation team and proactively ordered pumping supplies after noting breast fullness during her assessment. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal knowledge as a breastfeeding mother, she thoughtfully requested flange measurements to ensure proper fit and comfort. Despite the demanding pace of the ICU, she independently researched bin numbers, coordinated with the storeroom, and secured the correct equipment to meet the patient’s needs.

"Recognizing the risks of engorgement, infection, and abrupt weaning — Elizabeth ensured the patient’s breasts were emptied prior to transport to the operating room. This intervention not only reduced the risk of medical complications and discomfort, but also preserved the patient’s milk supply and protected the breastfeeding relationship during an extraordinarily vulnerable time. Importantly, Elizabeth closed the loop by following up directly with lactation services — demonstrating accountability, continuity of care, and true interdisciplinary collaboration.

"Elizabeth’s actions reflect the very highest standards of nursing practice. She did not simply care for a patient — she cared for the whole dyad. Her clinical judgment, initiative, compassion, and dedication exemplify patient-centered excellence. Furthermore, her passion for advancing breastfeeding support is evident in her expressed desire to become a lactation champion for her unit — expanding her impact beyond individual patients to system-level improvement.

"Elizabeth Massie represents the best of our profession. Her advocacy, attention to detail, and commitment to comprehensive care make her exceptionally deserving of 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.