Olympic Medical Center officials recently recognized nurse Wade Lauritzen with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

Created by the DAISY Foundation, the award “recognizes the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients and families every day,” OMC representatives said.

Lauritzen was recognized for his work as an emergency services nurse, where “he provides care for patients in what is for many, a time filled with anxiety and uncertainty,” they said.

According to Aaron Possin, director of emergency services, Lauritzen comes to work each day ready to provide comfort and exceptional care.

“Wade is an exceptional nurse in the emergency department,” Possin said. “He gives his all every day to his patients, his co-workers and this organization.

“He remains positive no matter what is going on around him. I don’t think I have ever seen Wade have a bad day.”

In response to the recognition, Lauritzen thanked everyone for creating a “culture of empathy that makes this place so special.”

The father of a patient nominated Lauritzen for the DAISY award, writing: “My daughter has an extensive medical history for only being 6 months old. We brought her in for seizures and she wasn’t breathing right; she was limp in my arms when I brought her in. We were brought right back and met Wade in the emergency room hallway. When he said he was going to be the nurse, I handed him my daughter in a moment of complete terror for my daughter’s life. Wade calmly, and efficiently got her in the room, where he started her IV.

“The way Wade stayed calm and yet was able to get everything done in a timely fashion… I can NOT say enough positive things about him. In between taking care of my daughter, he was constantly making sure that I was OK as well and letting me know everything that was happening, why, what it meant, and what they were looking for. I thank God that Wade was our nurse that day!”

Olympic Medical nurses 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 review the nominations and select the final nominee.

For more information or to nominate an Olympic Medical Center nurse for a Daisy award, visit olympicmedical.org/thank-a-nurse. Learn more about the DAISY Foundation at DAISYfoundation.org.