Olympic Medical Center nurse Brooke Fitzsimmons was recently honored by colleagues with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
The award, created by the DAISY Foundation, recognizes “the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care provided to patients and families every day.”
Fitzsimmons was recognized for her empathetic, thoughtful and connective way of nursing in her unit, OMC representatives said.
A colleague nominated Fitzsimmons for the DAISY Award, emphasizing the way Fitzsimmons connected with a patient dealing with the aftermath of a stroke.
“Eleven years ago, Brooke had a stroke. She had one-sided flaccidity, difficulty speaking, vision loss and other symptoms. I am listening to Brooke encourage her patient through sharing her symptoms, conveying how her stroke affected her and how she overcame it,” the colleague shared.
Fitzsimmons’s full DAISY Award nomination shared more details, saying:
“Brooke is an inspirational nurse, not only to her co-workers but also to her patients. As I am writing this, Brooke is walking and talking with a patient that had a stroke and is struggling to come to terms with their deficits. Eleven years ago, Brooke had a stroke. She had one-sided flaccidity, difficulty speaking, vision loss and other symptoms. I am listening to Brooke encourage her patient through sharing her symptoms, conveying how her stroke affected her and how she overcame it. From lifestyle changes to stays in rehab she has experiences she can share with her patients to help them through their journey. She is providing comfort and reassurance to her patient right now by reminding her that even though she had a stroke and is defeated by her symptoms currently, this is not the end for her.
The personal experiences Brooke has had, the medical complication she has lived through, from having a stroke, to being intubated countless times and living years with a tracheostomy, have made her a stronger nurse, and given her a better ability to connect with her patients.
I have worked with Brooke for the past five years, both under her direction as a CNA and by her side as a nurse. I cannot say enough good things about her work ethic, her compassion, her knowledge, her passion for her work and passing on her knowledge to others. She is an uplifting person to have in the ICU/Tele unit.
Brooke never has to be asked to help her co-workers. She is always checking in with her co-workers and making sure that they are set up for success during their shift. As a charge nurse Brooke is a cornerstone for the unit. She ensures that the shift flows smoothly for everyone and corrects problems before they fully arise.
Brooke is one of the people who made me want to work in the ICU here at OMC. From her excitement for the job, to her vast knowledge, to her helpful attitude, she is always a pleasure to work with.”
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 hand-carved sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch.”
A cross-functional committee of healthcare workers review the nominations and select the final nominee.
To nominate an Olympic Medical Center nurse, visit olympicmedical.org/thank-a-nurse.
About the DAISY Foundation
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. See DAISYfoundation.org.
