I would like to acknowledge Vicki Sullivan as the embodiment of an excellent team player. Vicki shows up everyday she is suppose to work (and about two or three extra days lately) with a smile on her face and a kick in her step. Her work ethic is phenomenal , she always gives 100%. Her patients are cared for with compassion in addition to the skills and knowledge of an expert critical care nurse. Vicki takes her work very seriously, but she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She has a great sense of humor and a positive attitude that makes everyday I work with her not only productive but fun. I am always impressed with the devotion Vicki shows to her profession and the pride and sacrifices she makes for our ICU team. Vicki recently cancelled a long awaited dinner party with a group of friends to stay and care for patients into the evening shift on a day when we had 10 patients in the ICU. She easily made the decision to sacrifice her personal time to stay and care for her patients, on a day that she had even come in extra for! On another occasion Vicki’s patient was in the midst of an active MI when shifts were changing and a less experienced RN was taking over. Vicki knew this RN had not been in a situation like this before and so she stayed and served as a resource while accompanying the patient and other RN for testing she answered questions and provided support. It’s nurses like Vicki that make me realize what a great profession nursing is. I am so glad to have Vicki in the ICU. I appreciate her greatly.

Another nomination for Vicki reads:

I would like to nominate Vicki Sullivan RN (ICU) for the DAISY Award. Vicki is a perfect example of the “Extraordinary” nurse the Barnes family aims to recognize with the DAISY Award.

Recently a family member wrote a letter following the death of her father praising the care he received while ill and Vicki was one of the nurses she specifically mentioned as the letter read: “Vicki wrapped herself tightly around my Dad’s heart. She paid such attention to his care and joked with him and made him feel as comfortable as possible”. Having the privilege of working side by side with Vicki I can attest to the fact Vicki “wrapped her heart” not only around this particular patient but “wraps her heart” around each and every patient she cares for. I often hear her as she interacts with her patients and she never fails to amaze me with the level of respect, kindness and compassion she treats not only her patients with but their families as well. Witnessing Vicki’s constantly kind and caring actions helps me to never lose sight of the fact that any act of kindness; be it big or small; bestowed on our patients and their families may last only a moment for us but will last a lifetime in the hearts and minds of those in our care. Offering a hug, with words of comfort , understanding and genuine concern while providing exemplary nursing care, Vicki is and will always be that positive memory that will last a lifetime for those experiencing a medical crisis and have been fortunate enough to have been in her care.

Vicki Sullivan is an extraordinary nurse…an unsung hero really…who is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.