Connect

"Whether it is a chronic or acute problem, Liz Lester not only listened, she acted on it!" 

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 Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN, surprised Elizabeth Lester, RN, DNP, AG-ACNP, with a DAISY Award.

Brenda Griswold, RN, nominated the advanced practice provider (APP) in Emergency Medicine:

"I was working the urgent care area where the CERT [Couric Engagement Response Team] adds in patients who need to be seen, but can't see the primary oncologist. Liz had a patient come. This elderly lady was complaining of a chronic cough that she had for two years. I thought to myself, 'There is nothing our DNP can do for you.'

"Liz came to the chair side of this patient. I was very impressed as this patient told of all her disjointed care from various doctors from various cities. She couldn't sleep at all. She had seen an allergist, lung doctor, and cardiologist. None had found out what was wrong. Liz listened intently for 45 minutes. She listened to her chest, did an ECG [electrocardiogram], and told her that she could hear fluid in her lungs. She also said she thought she might have emphysema. She ordered another test for her lungs. Then she had me give her a breathing treatment and IV Lasix.

"By the time the patient left, her cough was almost gone just by the interventions that Liz prescribed. Liz said she was pretty sure she knew what was wrong. This lady was also going to have a surgery coming up in the next week. Liz used to work with evaluations for surgeries to consider risk versus benefit. She also let the team know that this lady was at very high risk to go to surgery right now.

"When the patient left, she said, 'For the first time in two years, I feel hopeful that something is going to be done to help me.' I was so impressed by Liz. She was caring, compassionate, and faced head on the problem this lady was having. Whether it is a chronic or acute problem, Liz Lester not only listened, she acted on it!"

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.