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Kira Long kept checking on the patient and family members throughout the day, while caring for her other patients. 

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 Veronica Brill, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and Jenny Ernest, Nursing Governance Coordinator, Nursing Professional Governance Office, surprised Kira Long, BSN, RN, Inpatient Charge Nurse, 3 Central, with an award. UVA Health Univesity Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer Kathy Baker, PhD, RN, NE-BC, FAAN, atttended the presentation.

Tayler Snow, CNA, Administrative Assistant, 3 Central, nominated Long:

"Kira Long constantly shows what it means to be an extraordinary nurse! Her ongoing efforts to go above and beyond for patients and team members are seen by all who work with her. Whether crafting birthday hats for patients or celebrating milestones of her colleagues, Kira consistently demonstrates a genuine care for all those around her.

"A recent example underscores her exceptional compassion and professionalism. A patient whose health had significantly declined during her admission, was transitioning to DNAR-C [do not attempt cardiopulmonary resuscitation] after her teenaged daughter's visit — more than likely the first time the daughter would see her mother in the hospital. What Kira did for this patient and family on this day shows once again how much she truly cares for her patients.

"Kira quickly took steps to ensure the visit was as meaningful and supported as possible. She kept checking in with the father of the patient to get updates about when the patient's daughter would be arriving at the hospital. Kira looped in all the necessary resources to have support for the daughter, patient, and other family members. These included the primary team, chaplain, palliative care doctors, management, charge nurse, and palliative care social worker. Kira ensured the family's physical needs were met by making sure there were chairs, tissues, and a comfort cart with snacks and drinks to help them through the emotional times.

"When Kira saw that the patient's grandfather, who was visibly struggling, was standing in the hallway about to fall over from being so upset, she quickly had someone grab a chair while she stayed with him and helped him sit down. Kira stood there tearing up and rubbing the grandfather's back in a way to show that she was there to support all involved and reassure him that she knew this was a difficult thing. Kira kept checking on the patient and family members throughout the day, while caring for her other patients, to make sure the patient was comfortable.

"In addition to her compassionate presence, Kira was a very good advocate for her patient's comfort. When the patient expressed discomfort and pain, Kira immediately contacted the primary team and tried to talk through what would be the best thing for the patient at that time. This is only one of the many ways I have witnessed Kira Long going above and beyond for her patients."

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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.