Women & Infants Hospital recently presented Smithfield resident Melissa D’Abate, RN, a labor and delivery nurse, with this month’s DAISY Award. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the above and beyond efforts performed by nurses every day.
In nominating Melissa, a patient who needed an emergency c-section wrote, “Melissa’s combination of a very natural and positive bedside manner and calming attitude were exactly what I needed … Melissa stayed while surgery was being finished even though I believe her shift was over. That type of dedication goes a long way. It may not always be obvious in these hectic situations, but having a nurse that truly listens and communicates well is what keeps a mother (relatively) sane during labor and delivery. Thank you for being there, Melissa!”
Melissa has been a nurse with Women & Infants since 2005.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
Said Bonnie Barnes, president and co-founder of the DAISY foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Women & Infants Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”
To nominate an extraordinary nurse who works at any Women & Infants affiliated location or the main hospital, submit an application online or in person. Fellow providers and patients may nominate a nurse for the award.