DAISY AWARD WINNER
Stefanie, BSN, RN
7WEST PROCEDURAL PACU
“Stef is the embodiment of a Daisy Award winning nurse.”
“Stef always takes extra time to make a personal connection with her patients. She often seeks to have the most challenging patients, and then charms them with subtle jokes until she finally gets them to smile. The Perioperative care areas are often fast paced with quick turnover of patients. However, one afternoon, Stef’s patient was going to be waiting on 7 west for an extended recovery. This patient had arrived from an outside rehab facility and it was obvious that she had not been properly bathed in a long time. Stef took the initiative to borrow a shampoo kit from another nearby unit and gave the patient a thorough bedbath, shampooed her hair and brushed her teeth. The change in the patient’s demeanor was impressive.”
Nominated by Chris and Therese
“Stef also goes out of her way to help her coworkers when they are having a tough day. She seeks out ways to assist them with small tasks and doesn’t hesitate to offer a hand whenever it is needed. The way she interacts with both her coworkers and her patients makes a world of difference in the positive atmosphere on our unit.”
“While Stef is always a tireless advocate for patients and their families, there is one example that shows that she’s a cut above the rest. There was a patient who was boarding on 7 West who’d had a spinal surgery earlier that day. Stef did her usual thorough assessment and then the patient said she wanted to get up and walk to the bathroom. When she stood up, Stef noticed there was urine dribbling down the patient’s leg. The patient had earlier told Stef that she wasn’t experiencing any numbness, but now she realized she was. Stef immediately got her safely back into bed. During this time, she also realized the patient was retaining urine, so she bladder scanned her and subsequently straight-cathed the patient. She reported her findings to the team. The doctors initially thought it wasn’t serious and wanted to send the patient home, but Stef knew this could be cord compression. She pushed the doctors to order a STAT MRI. Even though they were reluctant, they were convinced by Stef to order it. When the MRI was read, it confirmed what Stef had suspected. Thanks to Stef’s quick assessment skills and fearless advocacy, a potentially life-altering complication for the patient was avoided.”
“This is just one of the many examples of Stef’s relentless advocacy for her patients. She brings those skills to the unit, but it’s also her genuine enthusiasm and love for nursing, combined with her joie de vivre, that make Stef deserving of a Daisy Award.”
Please join me in congratulating Stefanie and the 18 other incredible nurses nominated by their colleagues and patients for the Daisy Award this year!
| Nominated Nurse | Nominated by | Unit |
| Anita | Ellie | Lombardi Pediatric Clinic |
| Caroline | Kate | C5-1 Pediatric Transplant |
| Ellie | Anita and A Grateful Patient | Lombardi Pediatric Clinic |
| Eve | Anita | Lombardi Pediatric Clinic |
| Gabriella | Ashley | C5-1 Pediatric Transplant |
| Genevieve | Anonymous | Emergency Department |
| Joan | A Grateful Patient | Pre-Op & Discharge |
| Katherine | Andrea | Hospital Medicine |
| Katrina | Alexandra | C5-2 Pediatric ICU |
| Megan | Kate & Anonymous | C5-1 Pediatric Transplant |
| Natalie | A Grateful Patient | S3-2 Neuro IMC |
| Ron | A Grateful Patient | S3-4 Neuro ICU |
| Roselyn | Zuzette | S3-2 Neuro IMC |
| Sarah | Tachera | Lombardi Clinic |
| Shannel | A Grateful Patient | Float Pool |
| Tomi | Talis | 4 East CDU |
| Yuna | Anita and Ellie | Lombardi Pediatric Clinic |
The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses recognizes the “superhuman work nurses do every day.” This award was established in 2000 by the family of Patrick J. Barnes. Patrick died at age 33 of complications from Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura, leaving behind his wife and 2-month old daughter. The award represents their heartfelt appreciation to nurses “for the important difference they make in all the lives they touch.” We accept nominations for The Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses year-round.
Nurse Leader of the Year
Kerry, BSN, RN, CMSRN
(Float Pool)
Kerry is an exceptional leader and has led her team beautifully as they have supported the hospital through this nursing crisis. She is widely called upon and responds to Nursing Directors in their time of need as we face daily staffing deficits that severely impact patient care. Through her leadership, she has been able to target and support the many needs of the hospital, such as ED boarder nurses, superusers, preceptors, charge nurses as well as support staff. Her team has supported innovative nursing efforts such as the IV tech, 6Main LPN program and multiple unit moves. Kerry led the formation of a Preceptor Recognition Committee, has been instrumental in promoting and assisting in implementing the Team Nursing Model of Care, pivotal in supporting the creation of MGUH’s first Float Pool Practice Council, and has mentored her float pool staff to actively participate in hospital committees. She is progressive and innovative with her ideas to move nursing to the next level. Nothing in the past 6 months would have been possible without Kerry’s steadfast leadership.
Nominated by Caroline, Nikki, Sophia, Jillian, and Hannah
She manages a very large number of staff but is still always available to help with any issue that arises. She is patient, straightforward, quick to respond, thorough and kind, even when busy. She puts her staff first in all her thoughts and actions and consistently advocates on their behalf. She leads with transparency and treats everyone with respect. You will find her rounding daily on all members of float pool staff. Kerry takes every piece of feedback from her nurses and PCTs and works together with staff to overcome obstacles and find solutions to reoccurring problems. She is an amazing mentor. I have seen her review writing assignments and nursing school applications and offer professional coaching to PCTs and nurses striving for new goals.
She responds to workplace violence incidents with care and a depth of knowledge regarding resources available to staff. I have seen her provide compassionate, professional support and effective resources to staff who feel overwhelmed and affected by burnout. When it comes to patient safety, Kerry shows preoccupation with failure and reluctance to simplify by continuing to follow up on PSEs and other events involving her staff. She uses every opportunity to educate on MGUH policy and explains the logic and reasoning behind our policies.
Kerry sets the bar high. She is a phenomenal resource and a great example of nursing leadership.
Please join me in congratulating Kerry and the 23 other incredible nurse leaders nominated by their colleagues!
| Leader Nominated | Nominated by |
| Nikki | Cecilia, Elizabeth, Folawumi, and Colleen |
| Alisha | Michael |
| Ellen | Christina |
| Rose | Waxman, Caroline |
| Michaela | Bradley |
| Therese | Eskedar, Chris, and Elizabeth |
| Carmelita | Claire and Bezawit |
| Vanessa | Kerstin |
| Meagan | Therese |
| Erin | Vanessa |
| Endea | Alisha |
| Tracy | Kingsley |
| Katrina | Paola and Jody |
| Lauren | Katie and Julia |
| Julia | Alison, Lauren, and Anonymous |
| Miranda | Julia |
| Meghann | Sophia |
| Hannah | Abigail |
| Jessica | Sophia |
| Ashley | Jennifer, Ellie, Anita, and Anonymous |
| Traci | Alexandria |
| Aldrich | Kate, Shannon, Izzy, and Kedest |
| Patricia | Mirna |
The Nurse Leader of the Year award honors nurses who exemplify the essential elements of a Magnet culture. It is given to a nurse who:
- Leads and encourages shared decision making
- Promotes patient and staff safety in all activities
- Reflects a positive image of nursing at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and in the community
- Demonstrates a strong sense of inquiry by engagement with nursing research, evidence-based nursing practice, and quality outcomes
- Mentors and advocates on the behalf of nursing
- Works collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team
Evidence Based Practice & Research Nurse of the Year
Ejemen, BSN, RN, CCRN
(S4-4 Surgical Transplant ICU)
“Eji is the clinical leader for the EBP council at MedStar Georgetown. She took the leadership position this January and has been an active member since she joined MGUH in late 2022. She’s made an effort to have a Georgetown professor be a part of the EBP Council so that we can do a study as a collective. She wants to promote a culture of learning by sending information on conferences.”
Nominated by Tamanna
“Eji is the clinical leader for the EBP council at MedStar Georgetown. She took the leadership position this January and has been an active member since she joined MGUH in late 2022. She’s made an effort to have a Georgetown professor be a part of the EBP Council so that we can do a study as a collective. She wants to promote a culture of learning by sending information on conferences.”
“Eji is an incredible resource to the unit as we have many new grads that are doing their EBP projects … She truly listens to questions and engages in healthy discussions on various topics. Eji actively encourages new nurses to implement their EBP projects on their respective units. She’s been trying to bridge the culture of research to actual implementation in practice. It’s refreshing to see a nurse actually utilizing the conceptual ideas backed by research into real world practice.”
“I remember having a discussion about different sedation medications used in the ICU and she used primary sources of evidence from journals to explain her thoughts. It’s admirable how eloquently she explains things. She’s always given me the space to ask questions easily without feeling judged, even when we are not agreeing on a certain subject. Sometimes, it’s difficult to speak on topics with differing viewpoints but she’s a wonderful colleague that appreciates different opinions that can be backed by evidence.”
“I believe she’s a change maker! She helps elevate clinical practice for me and for others. What I admire most is her drive to keep learning and teaching.”
Please join me in congratulating Eji and Margo (S5-4 Medical Surgical ICU), the other incredible nurse nominated for this award by Emily!
The EBP & Research Nurse of the Year Award recognizes a nurse who exemplifies the spirit of PI, EBP or research by actively engaging in ongoing nursing PI, EBP or Research, serving as a role model to engage other nurses in PI, EBP or RESEARCH activities, and sharing information with colleagues. The EBP & Research Nurse of the Year utilizes the PI, EBP or Research process to improve patient outcomes, processes, and systems here at MGUH.
Magnet Nurse of the Year
Meghann, DNP, RN, CNL
Clinical Administrator
“Meghann has pushed the role of nurse to new heights at Medstar Georgetown, and she continues to demonstrate excellence in nursing by overcoming new and unusual challenges of a rapidly changing field.”
Nominated by Michaela and Sophia
“Meghann has demonstrated excellence in nursing by bringing diverse groups together to identify opportunities for improvement in areas of hospital capacity management. She facilitates utilization of data and technology in this process with various team members including nursing directors, senior nursing directors, patient transportation, facilities, and environmental services. In addition, she has been instrumental in the planning and implementation of transitioning in-patient units to different locations, including the brand new Verstandig pavilion, implementation of a new model of care delivery, and lastly, promoting organizational change to the service line model.”
“Meghann’s professional nursing practice is especially grounded in Magnet Component IV: New Knowledge, Innovation, & Improvements. She recently graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice. She has utilized the nursing process to identify opportunities for improvement in the processes that the team undertakes when seeking the appropriate placement of a patient and how to utilize current and future technology to assist in their decision making. She was an integral member in the development and implementation of an enterprise-wide capacity management IT solution for MedStar. During this process, she used data to help drive appropriate decisions as to the components necessary to facilitate patient throughput and gain efficiencies in bed utilization.”
“She brings Cura Personalis to the forefront of the administrative role. Cura Personalis is often associated with working on a unit with a patient assignment. Although Meghann’s role is now in Nursing Leadership, her individualized attention to the needs of others, distinct respect for unique circumstances and concerns, and appropriate appreciation for singular gifts and insights to the hospital level is evidenced by the attention and mindfulness she shows to all her duties and responsibilities.”
“Lastly Meghann is a role model because she reinforces the link between our Medstar Georgetown work environment and the ability for nurses to provide quality health care and achieve optimal outcomes.”
Please join me in congratulating Meghann and the 7 other incredible nurses nominated by their colleagues and their patients!
Nominated Nurse | Nominated by | Unit |
Aiyana | Nurgen | C41 |
Jessica | Caroline | L&D |
Margo | Emily | S54 |
Elizabeth | Sarah | S44 |
Ann | Delaney | C51 |
Ariana (Tonelson) | Sara | IR |
Aimee | Susan | NICU |
The Magnet Nurse of the Year award is granted to a nurse who is a leader on his or her unit and has an official or recognized leadership role in shared decision making. The Magnet Nurse of the Year values and promotes professional development, is a teacher, mentor, and resource to the unit, serves as a preceptor and charge nurse, and is active in performance improvement and research.
Preceptor of the Year Award
Juhi, BSN, RN, CCRN
(S54 Medical-Surgical ICU)
Juhi was an Exceptional preceptor. Starting in the ICU as a new grad was a little bit terrifying, and largely overwhelming. From day one, Juhi made sure I was practicing safely, and using my critical thinking skills. … Juhi made sure I was always learning.”
Nominated by Jessica
A nurse preceptor is an expert who serves as a role model, communicator and educator. The Nurse Preceptor of the Year award honors a preceptor who:
- Is a strong teacher, mentor, and resource for his or her colleagues
- Generously shares experience and knowledge
- Helps others be the best MedStar Georgetown Nurse they can be
Congratulations to all of our nurses nominated by their colleagues!
Nurse Nominated | Nominated by | Unit |
Colleen | Ayslinn | Labor & Delivery |
Colleen | Gabrielle | Labor & Delivery |
Elizabeth | Chris | 7 West Procedural PACU |
Grace | Jamilah | S54 Medical-Surgical ICU |
Kate | Delaney | C51 Pediatric Transplant |
Katherine | Emily | S54 Medical-Surgical ICU |
Kelly | Emily | S54 Medical-Surgical ICU |
Lindsey | Caroline | 2 Bles HemOnc/BMT |
Madeleine | Matthew | S34 Neuro ICU |
Michelle | Misrak | Apheresis/Dialysis |
Kathleen Clifford Beard Award Winner
Bezawit, BSN, RN
(S3-4 Neurosciences ICU)
Bezy not only provides excellent clinical care, with astute observation skills and that sang-froid that all great ICU nurses display in a pinch, but she engages with patients and families to understand their concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and make MGUH feel a little more like home while they are here.”
Nominated by Matthew
The Kathleen Clifford Beard Award was created to honor the memory of our MedStar Georgetown University Hospital colleague Kathleen Clifford Beard. Kathleen spearheaded MGUH’s Patient Advocacy Program, building the program from scratch and, for over 15 years, single-handedly managing its work. She instilled in her colleagues the belief that it was a privilege to serve patients, families, and staff at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
She set a new standard for concern, commitment and advocacy for patients and their families – while at the same time providing consistent, thoughtful support for nurses, physicians and staff. This prestigious award is given to a nurse who embodies Kathleen Clifford Beard’s passion for her profession and devotion to patients and colleagues. Nominees should be excellent clinicians and powerful advocates for patients, families and staff.
Congratulations to all of our nurses nominated by their colleagues!
Nurse Nominated | Nominated by | Unit |
Ellie | Ashley | Pediatric Lombardi Hem/Onc Clinic |
Rebecca | Elizabeth | PDC/Nurse Recruitment |
Amanda | Delaney | C51 Pediatric Transplant |
Djenny-Ann | Anonymous | Labor and Delivery |
Janet | Karen | Radiation Medicine |
Maria | Anonymous | Endoscopy |
Tomi | Talis | 4 East CDU |
