The term “dynamic duo” aptly describes Eileen Schmidt, and her husband, David Schmidt. Both are nurse managers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Both are also DAISY Award winners.
In fact, they’re the hospital’s first ever DAISY couple, and one of few such pairs in the world.
“We were a Children’s Hospital Los Angeles romance before it was fashionable," Eileen recently said during her surprise DAISY ceremony, attended by her husband and children.
The couple met at the hospital, not long after Eileen began her work with pediatric patients. She currently serves as nurse care manager in Renal Transplant.
Schmidt held back tears as hospital Chief Nursing Officer Mary Dee Hacker eloquently extolled her virtues and explained the history of the DAISY Award and its supporting organization, the DAISY Foundation. She also expressed her delight that the Healer's Touch statue, awarded to DAISY honorees, helps the artisans in Africa who make it support their families.
Described as a skilled clinician and patient advocate, Schmidt always pulls from her deep background and understanding of pediatric patients to improve outcomes.
“I have a quote from Eileen on my wall at work, “to be able to make a difference in a life, that is a struggle” and that is what she does.