Congratulations to our 2021 DAISY Team, C2W Medical Neurological PCU. They were recognized tonight with Stephanie Glasser DON as the 2021 DAISY Team based on their many contributions to support the year of the pandemic. Teamwork is critical to our patients and families; even though each person has individual care responsibilities, we are our best when we come together as a team. 

The past 18 months have been very difficult with covid on our doorstep. When covid patients started being admitted to the hospital, it was decided that C2W would bear the burden of this new and unknown virus. Some nurses decided not to stay but the nurses who remained demonstrated integrity and strength which many found hard to emulate. These nurses adapted and adjusted to new PPE processes, trials of new information and medicines, and patients who deteriorated rapidly and required more advanced methods of oxygenation therapy that had previously only been handled by the ICU. Whilst all this was happening, they moved units from C2NW to C2SU, then back to C2NW, and then onto their new unit, C2W. They managed up to 3 units at a time when they had C2NW open for covid, C2W for Neuro and often opening the ED overflow when patient volumes became excessive. They had to overcome obstacles that few had to experience all whilst dealing with 2 new service lines in the face of adversity. I worked with this team as a rapid response nurse and often found myself impressed with their skill, dedication, and adaptability. Their strength and calm in rapidly deteriorating situations helped many patients during one of the worst times of their lives. They consistently demonstrated the “love me” part of AdventHealth values when caring for these patients. I have seen nurses bring in clothes for homeless patients, and buy food for patients who had been unable to get their own. I recently saw one nurse give up the tech for her patients so another team member could have the help, as they were struggling with their patients. That kind of selflessness is rare and makes me proud to be part of their team.

Since becoming one of their leaders, I have seen firsthand how strong they are as a team, and how they fight for what they believe in. They strive for the “keep me safe” service standard by always looking for ways to improve patient safety. They hold each other accountable, whilst making the work environment a fun and engaging place to be. The unit endured many difficult patients, especially confused and aggressive/agitated neurological patients, but they always handle these patients with compassion, patience, and even humor which helps to calm the patients. They consistently help each other without expectations. The staff is dedicated, resilient, and hard-working. They handle agitated neuro patients and deteriorating covid patients with skill and poise. They are now handling our new covid surge with the same professionalism. They are a true DAISY Team.