Newswise — LOS ANGELES (Feb. 16, 2021) -- Like every nurse at the Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department at Cedars-Sinai, Hannah Jaruszewski, RN, is skilled at treating patients–from starting an IV and assisting during an emergency procedure to sending patients home with clear instructions.
But her colleagues say there is a particular skill in which Jaruszewski excels: showing patients that she really cares.
"Hannah's patients always comment on the kind and attentive care that she delivers; how she comforted and reassured them when they arrived to the ED full of fear; and how well she explained to them what was happening during their visit," said Sharon Braun, RN.
Emergency nursing is a tough job in the best of circumstances, and throughout the year of COVID-19, the demands on nurses have been relentless. But Jaruszewski has been unflappable, always ready to provide patients with her extraordinary bedside manner. No wonder she was honored recently with the DAISY Award, which recognizes the compassionate care of extraordinary nurses.
The DAISY Award was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of an autoimmune disease in 1999. During his hospitalization, the Barnes family deeply appreciated the care and compassion nurses showed to Barnes and his entire family. After he died, they established the DAISY Awards (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) to allow the public to thank exceptional nurses.
"In a time when nurses are critically needed to combat COVID-19, these awards are especially significant," said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive.
At Cedars-Sinai, anyone–patients, family members or colleagues–can nominate a nurse for a monthly DAISY Award. Additionally, four times a year, a team of nurses select two or more nurses who collaborate to go above and beyond in meeting patient and family needs, as well as a nurse leader to be honored.
DAISY Award recipients receive a certificate proclaiming the recipient an extraordinary nurse, a DAISY Award pin, a unique, handcarved stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, titled "A Healer's Touch" and, of course, a bouquet of daisies.
Nurses can be nominated both internally and through the community, allowing patients and their families to nominate their favorite nurses. To nominate a nurse click here.
"Being nominated by the very same people I took care of and likely will never see again is meaningful on a whole other level," said Jaruszewski.
Unlike nurses who work with hospitalized patients, it is harder for Emergency Department nurses to create meaningful connections with their patients because patients are discharged or transferred to an inpatient unit within hours.
Jaruszewski, according to her colleagues, has the “secret sauce” to building trust in that short time, by making personal connections with her patients.
"She comes close to the bedside, and doesn't converse from across the room," Braun said. "Hannah has a down-to-earth, humble, friendly manner that puts others at ease and builds confidence in those under her care."
Marshall says meaningful recognition is exactly what nurses need right now. "As the pandemic continues, these awards not only give nurses the boost they need and deserve, but they also help to fight the exhaustion so many are feeling right now," he said.
Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Healthcare Heroes: Nurses
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