The DAISY Foundation established the DAISY award to honor nurses for the extraordinary things they do that make a powerful difference. DAISY nurses show empathy in all situations, are outstanding role models for the nursing profession, generate enthusiasm and energy toward meeting the challenges of nursing, and exemplify the essence of professional nursing in all activities.
Those who know Evie Lucia recognize these attributes in what she brings to her work in the ED every day. Several months ago, Evie was asked by Nursing Leadership to step into the role of Education Coordinator. Evie accepted her new responsibilities with enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to fostering professional practice in our ED. She is a mentor, educator, and coach supporting the orientation process for new staff and ensures ongoing competency of the entire ED staff.
On Friday, an already busy day for the ED, there was a multi-casualty trauma when a minibus was involved in a motor vehicle accident. The bus was carrying patients with developmental disabilities, autism, and/or cerebral palsy. Most were nonverbal and had complex medical histories. The three staff members accompanying them were also amongst the victims and couldn't help.
Evie did a great job mobilizing both clinician and nursing/tech resources. She provided pre-arrival notification to the team and organized the ED in a mass casualty fashion. Many of the patients required advanced imaging, IVs, and treatment. This was done mainly in hallways and secondary rooms that often are used for meetings. She stayed well beyond her shift to ensure everything was organized and the patients were cared for. The patients remained calm and the ED remained organized and functioned well throughout the crisis thanks to Evie.