PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Kelly Robichaud, RN, a nurse in Northern Light AR Gould Hospital’s Women and Children’s unit, was recently recognized for her outstanding patient care by being presented with a DAISY Award.
Robichaud was nominated by a patient who was in the hospital to give birth to her son. What was supposed to be the happiest day of her life turned into a life-threatening experience.
“The first night after having my son, I couldn’t get out of bed, sit up straight, or even lift my arms due to blood loss. Things that I expected I could do myself, I couldn’t. Kelly made me feel comfortable and helped me keep my dignity in times where it didn’t seem possible,” explained the patient in her nomination.
She noted that Robichaud spent time with her and her husband, answering any questions they had being first time parents. “She was kind, thoughtful, and professional. She was not only skilled at her job, but her bedside manner made the world of difference in my first nights of motherhood.”
During a surprise celebration, Robichaud 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.”
Kelly Robichaud, RN, front in scrubs, was recently presented the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Some of her family members, co-workers, and hospital leadership joined together in a surprise celebration and announcement of the honor in November. (Courtesy of AR Gould Hospital)
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.
Each quarter, AR Gould Hospital 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.
