DAISY Award Winners from the Year of COVID

Recognizing Johns Hopkins Hospital nurses for skilled, compassionate care that goes far beyond the call of duty

Summer 2020 | Rachel Anderson

A patient had received a life-changing diagnosis. As he lay in a hospital bed of the Neurosciences Critical Care Unit after surgery, without family near due to COVID-19 restrictions, he met Rachel Anderson. Sensing his distress, Anderson reassured him by sharing that she had been through the same procedure and that it would in fact get better. “She had given me hope and inspiration when I felt so alone, broken, and in despair,” the patient wrote in his DAISY nomination letter. “I will never forget how she made me feel.”

Autumn 2020 | Tam Warczynski

Tam Warczynski, a nurse practitioner, was nominated by a patient for her years of support, encouragement, and knowledgeable care planning throughout complicated medical and surgical diagnoses. His letter tells how Warczynski ‘s persistence and determination to see him through were all the strength he needed to heal and get back to his life. “Tam persevered with me—through three major surgeries, with two major complications, nerves that made it impossible to sleep—and she held my hand when my family was not close. Tam is one-of-a-kind.”

2020 Team Award | Nelson 5

The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s first DAISY Team Award went to the staff of Nelson 5, one of the first units to care for COVID-19 patients when the epidemic reached East Baltimore back in March 2020, continuing to do so today. Deborah Baker said of the “incredible” Nelson 5 team: “Every staff member on this unit has displayed incredible strength, dedication, and fortitude, and we are profoundly grateful for all you have done and continue to do to care for your patients and each other.”

Winter 2020-21 | Hailey Wildasin

Hailey Wildasin of the Neurosciences Critical Care Unit was nominated by the family of a patient who spent two week’s under her care after a serious accident. Due to distance and COVID-19 restrictions, family were able to visit only twice. It gave them solace knowing that Wildasin was with him during each shift, playing his favorite music and, though he did not regain consciousness, leading Zoom “visits” by the family. “This was more important to us than I can ever describe,” said the nomination letter.

See more DAISY Award more winners or nominate an outstanding Johns Hopkins Nurse by emailing [email protected].