Extraordinary nursing care – Methodist honors first DAISY recipient

When Kari Dirmeyer, RN was just a teenager she knew she was destined to become a nurse.  “I took care of my dad when he had brain cancer and from then on I have wanted to be a nurse.” Congratulations to Kari Dirmeyer, RN - Methodist's first recipient of the DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing care.

And, now she is – and she’s a nurse that embodies all the traits that make nursing such a special and rewarding career … compassion, empathy, connection, caring.  Those combined with clinical expertise make a great nurse.  And Kari is a great nurse, and just last week she was recognized for being just that. 

At Methodist Medical Center, we recently began participating in a new program designed to honor our nurses who provide extraordinary care. The DAISY Award is an international nurse recognition program that celebrates the compassion and skills nurses bring to patients and families every day.

Last month, we surprised Kari as our very first winner.  Kari has been with Methodist for three years and works on the 3-West/Cardiac unit.  One of her patients submitted the following comments in her nomination: 

“The qualities I have seen and experienced in Kari are amazing – they are not forced qualities, but real.  Her first concern is the care and comfort for the patient.  She is a professional in the execution of her job and the skill level that she exhibits gives confidence that you are receiving the highest level of quality care.  While I have received the best of care from everyone and my every need met, the care that I received from Kari came from something within that cannot be learned.  Kari is blessed to be at this hospital and this hospital is very blessed to have such an excellent employee.”

The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the family of a patient, J. Patrick Barnes, who had received extraordinary care and compassion from his nurses during his final days.

At a bi-annual surprise reception, winners receive:

  • A certificate
  • A DAISY award pin
  • A unique, hand-carved sculpture from Zimbabwe entitled “A Healer’s Touch”
  • A bouquet of daisies
  • A cinnamon roll (Patrick’s favorite food)

 

Nurses may be nominated by patients and families, and they are chosen by a committee at Methodist to receive The DAISY Award.  To nominate a nurse go to www.mmcoakridge.com/DAISY.

Want to join our team of super nurses? Apply today at www.covenantcareers.com.

 

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