RANDOLPH, Vt.—Gifford Health Care recently recognized four employees with awards that celebrate and honor not only excellence in clinical care but also compassion.
Gifford encompasses and expands on the principles of the national DAISY nursing award program for its Employee Recognition Awards ceremony, held twice a year, most recently on Aug. 22. Over the previous six months, the Selection Committee received 48 nominations from across the organization for four awards: the DAISY Award, recognizing exceptional nurses; two BEE—Be Exceptional Everyday—Awards, one clinical and one non-clinical; and a HIVE Award (Healthcare providers Impacting the lives of Vulnerable people Every day), awarded to physicians and advanced practice providers.
“Congratulations to our awardees and all team members who were nominated,” said Gifford President and CEO Dan Bennett following the ceremony. “The nominations are rich with stories that give a glimpse into the amazing work that happens here every day, work that makes a positive difference in the lives of our patients and their families and elevates Gifford’s culture of support. This awards ceremony is one of my favorite events here at Gifford, one that speaks to our mission and the heart and soul of who we are.”
The awardees are:
- The DAISY Award: Daniela Garau, RN, Birthing Center—nominated by patient Sophie Crane. In her nomination, Crane shared, “Daniela helped with my labor and delivery, and she was exceptional. When I went into labor, my baby was facing the wrong direction. This is a problem because it can lead to longer and more painful labors and an increased risk of tearing at delivery. Daniela was incredibly skilled and knew just what to do to get the baby flipped in the right direction. Even though it was late at night, she spent hours with me putting me into different positions and, amazingly, she got the baby to flip. Better yet, we had a lot of fun doing it. She was kind, warm, and funny. I feel so lucky she was on staff the night I came in, and I know my birth went smoothly in large part thanks to her.”
- The BEE Award/Non-Clinical: Shaun Davis, Chef, Menig Nursing Home—nominated by Faaron Washburn who shared, “Shaun deserves a little extra recognition for going above and beyond. At Menig a huge part of each day for the residents is their meals. Shaun (and team) prepare wonderful meals three times a day. He is polite and funny and just a wonderful part of Menig’s team. He really cares about the residents and knows their likes and dislikes by heart. And he truly has a big heart – this past Christmas at Menig Santa made a special visit and hand-delivered each resident a gift specially selected by Menig staff. Santa (Shaun) was the jolliest, and his personality glowed extra bright that day—you could tell his heart was on his red suit sleeve as he danced around and handed out the gifts. Shaun also goes out of his way to work well with the nurses and staff on the floor. You’d never be able to tell that life hasn’t always been fair to him, nor that he’s busting his back working two jobs. Shaun, we appreciate you!”
- The BEE Award/Clinical: Sarahbeth Johnson, LNA, Menig Nursing Home—nominated by Sheri Brown, APRN, and the family of a Gifford patient. Brown shared in her nomination, “Sarahbeth went above and beyond for a grieving family. She was able to ease the burden and make them comfortable during their time of need. She provided a seamless transition from the OR to the Garden Room. She anticipated every need and was very kind, caring, and present for the family without ever trying and without being over-the-top. We need more people here like her, and all of us could learn from her grace and kindness.”
The patient’s family wrote, “The family that came into Room 122 … would like to thank Sarahbeth for her kindness and care, and for going beyond the call of duty for our family to be as comfortable as much as we could be. The staff also came and wanted to praise Sarahbeth for her performance. Sarahbeth was greatly appreciated by all the family, staff and doctors. Thank you, Sarahbeth!” - The HIVE Award: Hillary Sylvester, CNM, Obstetrics and Gynecology—nominated by patient Cheryl Frazier, who shared in her nomination, “Hillary was midwife / provider at the Birthing Center during my labor and eventual cesarean section. She was also the primary midwife I saw during my pregnancy appointments. The support I have received from Hillary through my pregnancy and labor/delivery and post-delivery was incredible. Hillary was knowledgeable, supportive, caring and empathetic to my particular situation. She tried everything she could to prevent my birth from leading to a cesarean, though my baby and my body had different plans. I was distraught. Hillary leaned in and made me feel strong, informed. She knew to meet my emotions with empathy and humor. She sat on the birthing room floor at my level and supported me through the toughest moments of my life. Her kindness and compassion to me was overwhelming. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else there. She attended my C-section to support me. The dedication she showed me during those very difficult hours I will never forget. After delivery she made many points to check in. I was brought to tears thanking her prior to leaving the Birthing Center. I am brought to tears now reading this nomination. The connection and trust I have with Hillary now are immeasurable. Everyone at the Birthing Center provided me with incredible care, but Hillary went above and beyond, and we have a happy, healthy baby girl! Thank you so much!”
Team members celebrated the awards with cinnamon rolls, a treat made tradition by the DAISY Foundation. For more information about the foundation and its inspiration, visit daisyfoundation.org.
For more information about Gifford’s Employee Recognition Awards, or to nominate a Gifford employee, visit giffordhealthcare.org/patients/recognize-an-employee.
For more information about Gifford, visit giffordhealthcare.org.
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CONTACT: Maryellen Apelquist, Communications Manager,
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Gifford is a community hospital in Randolph, Vt., with family health centers in Berlin, Bethel, Chelsea, Randolph, and Rochester, and specialty services throughout central Vermont. A Federally Qualified Health Center and a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country, Gifford is a full-service hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and inpatient unit; many surgical services; an adult day program; 49-unit independent living facility, and a nursing home. Our mission is to improve individual and community health by providing and assuring access to affordable, high-quality health care in Gifford’s service area.
