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"I had tears in my eyes — not only because my heart broke for the family — but also for the pure love I saw pouring from my amazing coworker." 

A UVA Health University Medical Center nurse has earned a DAISY Award from the Nursing Professional Governance Organization (NPGO) for her "calming, supportive, and caring presence" — and more.

NPGO honors up to two UVA Health University Medical Center nurses each month with a DAISY Award.

UVA Health University Medical Center Chief Operating Officer Min Lee, MHA, MBA, and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, surprised Breanna McDonald, BSN, RN, with the honor.

Michelle Belcher, RN, submitted this nomination:

"A patient’s major surgery was cancelled because of a major weather event. The team told the patient the surgery was rescheduled. The patient and family had driven more than four hours and stayed in a hotel for two nights to be sure they were here.

"The patient was offered the standard service recovery: a gas card. This family had spent their time and money on a hotel for an extra night and planned ahead for the weather to ensure the patient was here. Surgery was rescheduled for the next day, so they would have to pay for another night in a hotel.

"Breanna reached out to the surgeon to see if there was anything else that could be done to help the family. She was put into contact with Patient Relations — but she didn’t stop there. Breanna followed up multiple times with the surgeon and Patient Relations. She told colleagues: 'I just care about the patient and making sure he gets what he deserves.'

"That's the kind of nurse Breanna is — she does not do it for the recognition, she does it because she truly cares for our patients!"

Lisa Geissbuehler, BSN, RN, EFM, also nominated McDonald:

"This is long overdue. I have the absolute pleasure of working with Breanna in Peri-Op. From the first time I met her, she has always exuded a calming, supportive, and caring presence. She cares deeply about our patients and makes them feel valued and heard. She is also a huge advocate for mental health wellness, especially of the nurses she works with. I witnessed the most heartwarming interaction between Breanna, known as 'Moe,' and complete strangers.

"It was the end of our shift on a weekend. We were at the time clock, clocking out for the day. Before the doors even opened, we heard a heart wrenching cry from the elevators. Out came two people. One had been crying and was trying to keep it together. The other was clearly in distress, sobbing uncontrollably. It was quite obvious they had just received some very bad news.

"Without hesitation, Moe went up to one of them and asked if she could offer a hug. They said 'Yes,' and I witnessed the most compassionate, heartfelt hug between two strangers I’ve ever seen! We led the two to some chairs so they could sit down, and Moe crouched down to eye level and continued to console them. She looked up at me and said she would stay with them. I had tears in my eyes — not only because my heart broke for the family, but also for the pure love I saw pouring from my amazing coworker.

"Moe stayed with them for a while, and they shared that a family member had just passed away. They felt comfortable enough with Moe to even share pictures of their loved one with her. She was there for them in probably one of the worst moments of their lives. I’m sure the compassion and love she showered on these suffering people with will stay with them forever. She is the most selfless person I’ve ever met!

"This is just one example. I could write a whole book about Moe and all the good I’ve seen come from her. She doesn’t deserve just one DAISY Award, but all of them! I’m beyond honored to be her coworker and friend."

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.