Compassionate care honored with DAISY Award

Spectrum Health Pennock emergency department nurse recognized.

June 8, 2022

 

As nursing leaders gathered in the Spectrum Health Pennock emergency department for a DAISY Award ceremony Thursday, May 19, they speculated who might be recognized.

That pre-event speculation centered on Austin Ewers, RN, who has established himself to peers, physicians and nursing leaders as a professional who exhibits hard work and dedication to his profession and patients.

Ewers was soon announced as the DAISY Award honoree.

“I had a hunch it was going to be Austin,” said director of nursing Chari Kemp. “He’s just an outstanding nurse who is very deserving of the award and recognition. We are blessed with an amazing team of nurses and caregivers and Austin is one of our best.”

Ewers was nominated for the award by a recent patient.

“Austin was so great,” the nomination read. “He was very calming and determined to help me. Austin was very understanding and compassionate toward me and my husband. I am dealing with cancer and he knew exactly what to do and say. We definitely felt more comfortable for the rest of that day as he eased our minds.”

Ewers received a “healer’s touch” statue, a commemorative pin and a plaque during the ceremony.

The DAISY award program was adopted from The DAISY Award, an international program established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. The Barnes family was deeply appreciative of the clinical skills, caring and compassion of the nurses who cared for Patrick, so they created an award to say thank you to nurses everywhere.

Nominations are open for any registered nurse at Spectrum Health Pennock who regularly goes above and beyond in creating a meaningful experience for patients. The awards are given based on nominations from patients, community members and colleagues.

Nomination forms can be found at any Spectrum Health facility or submitted online at spectrumhealth.org/Pennock.

Contact:
Janine Dalman
Marketing & Communications
Office: 269.945.3651
Mobile: 269.908.7063
Email: Janine.dalman@spectrumhealth.org