PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Nicole McCullough, RN, a nurse in Northern Light AR Gould Hospital’s Acute Rehabilitation inpatient unit, was presented a DAISY Award in honor of her outstanding patient care.
McCullough was nominated for this honor by a patient who was in her care.
“Her level of care at night is amazing,” shared the patient in the nomination. “She is always thinking of ways to make me feel comfortable. She goes way beyond any care I’ve ever had at night, always checking on my level of comfort. We have developed a bond that has made me laugh so many times, and laughter makes me feel like I’m getting back to myself.”
The patient noted that Nicole and her mother, Rosie McCullough – a CNA who also works nights in the unit, make a great team. “Both are truly amazing. I just want to say thank you for everything they have done to make me feel like myself.”
During a surprise celebration, McCullough was presented a daisy pin, a sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch” hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa, and a certificate commending her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.”
The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. It was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died in 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura , an auto-immune disease. The care he and his family received from nurses inspired this means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
AR Gould Hospital periodically recognizes one of its nurses with the DAISY Award. These nurses are nominated by patients, family members of patients, co-workers, or community members for the outstanding care and compassion they provide.
For those who would like to nominate a nurse for consideration for a DAISY Award, nominations can be made online, please visit www.northernlighthealth.org/Our-System/AR-Gould-Hospital/About-Us/Daisy-Award.
