From March 2020 through March 2022, the ICU nurses have been deeply affected by the COVID pandemic at a disproportionate amount. They have worked tirelessly to care for patients and their families. They have worked overtime to care for each other. The staff nominated have worked here through the full pandemic, despite surges, staffing shortages, and lucrative travel contracts. They have cared for many of their own, including providers, nurses, and the families of coworkers. They continue to exemplify the mission, vision, and values of Ascension Saint Thomas.

They exemplify Service of the Poor by caring for every patient equally, especially for persons most in need. Through the pandemic, they have seen an increase in patients with mental health needs and who demonstrate poorness in health and resources. The ICU nurses have cared for the patient holistically in body, mind, and spirit to provide compassionate care to all patients. They exemplify reverence by treating all patients with respect and compassion. They cared for a tremendous amount of patients and families with different opinions, specifically around COVID treatments and prevention. They cared for all patients equally without judgment or bias even when they were being verbally abused and their treatments were being questioned. They exemplify integrity by inspiring trust through personal leadership.

These nurses showed commitment to the Ascension Saint Thomas mission by leading by example through a challenging two-year stretch of adding new nurses, constant changes regarding PPE and furlough standards, and multiple surges. They showed up every day to care for their patients despite the personal toll it took on them and their families.

They exemplify wisdom by integrating excellence and intelligence into all they do. The providers relied heavily on the wisdom of the experienced nurses. With the ever-changing treatment options and information, the nurses kept education and innovation at the top of their priorities. They exemplify creativity with courageous innovation. From manually proning patients to improve outcomes to keeping IV pumps outside the room to preserve PPE, the ICU nurses were constantly evolving with best practices to provide exceptional care and be good stewards of resources. They were constantly educating themselves and others on cutting-edge treatments and interventions that could help their patients.

They exemplify dedication by staying committed to their patients and coworkers as an Ascension Saint Thomas employee. They showed up to work each and every day by affirming the hope and joy of our ministry. They often stayed after their shifts to hold the hands of the families that were impacted by COVID. They called on their days off to check on their patients. Their love and dedication to their patients were evident each and every day.

The Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown ICU nurses should be recognized with a DAISY Team Award for the 2021 year. The courage, love, and dedication they have shown to their patients, each other, and Ascension Saint Thomas is unparalleled by any other nurse-led team. Here is one family’s experience with the Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown ICU staff.

In November 2021, my life would forever be changed, my dad was diagnosed with COVID and needed to be admitted to the hospital. After being a patient on an acute care unit for four days, it was decided he needed to be transferred into the ICU for elevated care. He was a patient in the ICU for about 11 days. I have always been so proud to be an RN at Saint Thomas Midtown myself and have always known that the care we give our patients and their families is hands down above the rest; however, going through this with my dad truly showed me what that meant on a very personal level.

The Saint Thomas Midtown ICU nurses take holistic care to another level and really embrace what that means. From the moment he was admitted into the ICU, they left no stone unturned. They made my dad feel comfortable, even when he was scared to death with what was going on and the “unknowns.” When I would come for one of my daily visits, he continuously complimented the ICU nurses stating he “didn’t know how they did what they did.” He would always tell me how “amazing and wonderful” they were to him. They made sure to keep me and my mom in the loop with his care every single day. Even when I wasn’t in the ICU, and I saw one of them in the hallway, they would always make sure and check on me to make sure I was doing ok and would ask about my mom.

When the time came for my mom and me to make the decision to withdraw care, I have never felt more supported. They showed true empathy and compassion to make those last precious moments with my dad the best they could be. Working during this crazy COVID time, I see what they do daily and how very tired they are; however I never felt rushed when I would ask questions or just needed time to digest the situation. They treated us like we were their only priority at the moment. I would not wish what my family went through on anyone; however, these ICU nurses really helped us get through it with ALL they so selflessly give to their patients and families every day. I am truly honored to work with them and they will ALL forever be heroes in my eyes!