Kent Hospital recently presented Charlestown resident, Patricia Howard, a registered nurse in the Emergency Department, with the DAISY Award. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the above and beyond efforts performed by nurses every day. Patricia has been a nurse at Kent since September 2005.
Nominated by the mother of a patient being treated at Kent, Patricia was recognized for her extraordinary level of attentiveness, care, compassion, and knowledge. Kent Hospital’s Sherri Sprague, MHA, BSN, RN, nurse director, Emergency Department, said, “Every person who comes into contact with Pat during their visit leaves knowing that there is one more person in this world who genuinely cares about their well-being. While providing exceptional care to every patient, Pat maintains a calm and comforting demeanor.”
A specific example of her capacity for caring is when she recently had a patient that was to be discharged home when she noticed an abnormality. Pat acted quickly, working with the emergency physician to perform further testing. Pat’s advocacy helped to prevent a repeat visit to the emergency room and likely prevented the patient from experiencing worsening symptoms.
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.”
To nominate an extraordinary nurse who works at any Kent affiliated location or the main hospital, submit an application online or in person. Fellow providers and patients may nominate a nurse for the award.
Kent Hospital, a Care New England Hospital, is a 359-bed, acute care hospital. It is Rhode Island’s second largest hospital, serving approximately 300,000 residents of central Rhode Island.
A teaching affiliate of The University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kent offers programs in Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine and an Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship. Kent’s redesigned Emergency Department (ED) sees approximately 70,000 patients a year and ranks Kent’s ED volume among the top 10-percent nationally. It was the first hospital in the state to eliminate the practice of ambulance diversion.