Nurse at Van Diest Medical Center Wins Daisy Award for Extraordinary Care
Julie Thompson, a nurse at Van Diest Medical Center (VDMC) in Webster City, Iowa, helped a little boy overcome his fear and anxiety before surgery and was named the 2023 recipient of the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses.
Daily Nurse Honors Thompson as Nurse of the Week
Daily Nurse is proud to honor Thompson as our Nurse of the Week, recognizing the super-human work Thompson provides for patients and families every day at VDMC.
The Daisy Award Recognizes Nurses’ Extraordinary Work
“The Daisy Award recognizes the super-human work nurses do for their patients and families every day wherever they practice, in whatever role they serve and throughout their careers,” says Lisa Ridge, chief executive officer of VDMC.
Thompson’s Extraordinary Care Recognized
Thompson was nominated for the Daisy Award by Alexx Wilkerson, who brought her 5-year-old son Keaton to VDMC for outpatient surgery.
Thompson’s Care Eases Little Boy’s Anxiety
“He was extremely nervous, and I was mentally prepared to console him before and after the procedure. He was visibly shaking in the car,” she says.
But that all changed when Keaton met his nurse.
Thompson Prioritizes Patient Comfort and Involvement in Care
“She made sure Keaton felt heard and respected. But, as much as she made sure that I was aware of the process, she also prioritized making sure Keaton was comfortable and involved in his care,” Wilkerson says.
Thompson’s Positive Demeanor Makes Patients Feel at Ease
Wilkerson describes Thompson as someone who embodies love, home, and acceptance, radiating such positivity and warmth that it is impossible not to feel at ease in her presence.
Patient and Family Leave Feeling Like They Spent Time with Family
“We walked into your medical center nervous about being around strangers at a vulnerable time. Yet we ended up walking out feeling like we just spent time with family,’ she says.
Nurses Like Thompson Deserve Recognition and Celebration
Wilkerson, who has worked in healthcare, says nurses like Thompson are extremely rare and deserve to be celebrated.