Shirley touches the lives of most of the patients at the General because her role is pivotal to being able to provide quality patient centered care. Her dedication to our patients was illustrated last year when she came to assist in the cath lab.

We had a patient on the table who was in need of a procedure. The patient would NOT let us begin until she had IV sedation. She told us, "No one can get an IV in! They've all tried. I don't have any veins left. I will only let you try once, that's all!" I called Shirley O'Donnell. She was just getting started with a procedure on the floor, which she interrupted. She came up to the cath lab and provided care to the patient that was expeditious and professional. She demonstrated compassion and respect towards a patient who may not always receive such treatment outside of the walls of the medical center. This is only a snapshot of the Shirley's work with patients at SFGH. Each day a similar scenario repeats itself numerous times.

In addition to the face to face work with patients, Shirley spends countless hours advocating for patient safety by ensuring that hospital policy around vascular access matches the most recent evidence-based guidelines. She then takes the time to educate her colleagues around best nursing practice, thus empowering them to become better practitioners. Shirley is also a key member on the CLABSI team and has been instrumental in bringing down the CLABSI rate on campus.

As a model of excellent clinical skill, leadership, collaboration, and, most importantly, empowering patient care, we are honored present the DAISY award to Shirley O'Donnell.