Vickie Swanson, Olympic Medical Cener’s chief nursing officer, recently presented members of the Olympic Medical Center Medical/Surgical team with the DAISY Team Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The award, created by the DAISY Foundation, recognizes the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients and families every day.

The recognized team members were called out for their commitment to both care and comfort during a patient’s stay.

Denise Harmon, director of OMC’s medical/surgical/pediatrics services, accepted a commemorative plaque on behalf of the department. Honorees include registered nurses Marie Flanagan, Gwen Hoffman, Melissa Myers, Jake Tupper, Amber Valdez-Black, Justin Snook, Michael Walther and Denise Waters, and certified nursing assistants Franklin Edwards, Eric Gravel and Kris Spear

The team received a heartfelt nomination for the Team DAISY award by a patient’s family member, who wrote:

“My Nana had been enduring for three days. Every nurse, including Gwen Hoffman went above and beyond. She comforted and cared for our family. She gave my Nana a bath, and cared for her, and made her comfortable during her final hours.

I also nominate Franklin Edwards, Jake Tupper, Michael Walther, Amber Valdez-Black, Melissa Myers, Kris Spear, Eric Gravel, Justin Snook, Denise Waters and Marie Flanagan.

Franklin provided constant care and comfort. He was always checking in on us and our Nana. He made us feel like a priority.

Jake was very skilled and supportive and quick to care for my Nana’s needs.

Michael was calm and brought his knowledge to help explain situations to help us during times of fear.

Amber and Melissa weren’t even on my Nana’s care team, yet they saw us in distress and comforted us and gave us a safe place to grieve.

Kris was there to comfort us and our Nana. She was a friend when we needed one.

Eric was strong and comforting and was very professional.

Justin brought his empathy and understanding when we were all scared and hopeless.

Denise comforted us while we were going through a traumatic experience.

Marie was our first nurse. She explained everything when we felt lost and scared.

Thank you to nurse Gwen and all!”

Olympic Medical nurses and teams may be nominated by patients, families and colleagues. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an “Extraordinary Nurse.”

The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.”

Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a meaningful, hand-carved sculpture called A Healer’s Touch.

A cross-functional committee of healthcare workers reviews the nominations and selects the final nominee.

To nominate an extraordinary Olympic Medical Center nurse or nursing team, or for more information, visit olympicmedical.org/thank-a-nurse.

The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, by members of his family. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of an auto-immune disease (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System).

The care Barnes and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this means of thanking nurses for making a difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. Get more information at DAISYfoundation.org.