Nursing began as a practice to help people get healthy and in modern day we continue to help people gain health through standards of nursing care. Sharon Norris has been leader in nursing practice at this organization for as long as I have known. High standards of care is what she expected our patients to receive. She has always required nurses to not only be clinically competent but they must also be caring in the process. I know when she would have a patient complaint and would follow-up with the patient she would be physically ill before she went to see them, she often shared this was the hardest part of her job. She cares so deeply for her patients and desires nothing but the best care for them.

Sharon also cares for her nurses. She is a fierce advocate for nursing. She speaks her mind when needed, defends and protects nurses, and has been a positive voice for our nurses. She is transparent and although sometimes she may get a little excited and directive I always know where I stand with her. She is not afraid to speak her mind and then she moves on. She praises in public and when there is something we need to work on, she shares that in private. She is a straight shooter and you do not have to guess what she is thinking. As a young nurse, she once told me to follow policy and always do what is right for the patient – you will never go wrong, great advice!

Sharon also has a heart for the underdog, for the one that just needs a little support, guidance, or help along the way. She often sees something in someone that others may not. She is helper, a caregiver, and friend to many. Our dear friend A is one example. A was a grouchy, stern, bossy, secretary many years ago. That is how many people may have seen her. A had a heart of gold and a back story not many people knew. Although I know A may have drove Sharon crazy sometimes, she saw something in A. When you knew her, she was kind, loving, and protected her nurses (I was the recipient of that care myself). Sharon saw something in me 34+ years ago when she hired me. We quickly developed a bond that has turned into a cherished friendship for decades now. I love and admire this lady! She has encouraged me to grow and develop over the years and I owe much of my nursing career success to her! Thank you, Sharon, for the decades of commitment, compassion, advocacy, and friendship. You have left a legacy of nursing at DMH. Thank you for being a compassionate nurse in this noble profession.

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It is with immense honor and privilege to nominate Sharon Norris RN for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. l have known and had the pleasure to work alongside Sharon for 35+ years. She is an excellent nurse who sets the bar high for patient care and safety. Sharon is a true leader that cares, and not afraid to start an IV or directly engage in patient care. She proves how dedication, extraordinary attention to detail, and real concern for patient outcomes has set apart her organization, her nursing leaders, nursing staff, along with other hospital departments. Interprofessional collaboration is key, and begins with the most basic smile and care to the patient. Sharon leads by example, showing her peers and hospital staff that it is just as important to care for yourself as it is to care for your patients. She provides a listening ear, comfort, and positive support. Sharon has always had an eagerness to learn, and has admirably engaged the education department in developing the nursing staff. She has been a strong voice for nurses and advocates for process improvement projects between clinical and non-clinical support staff.

Sharon never accepts that there are no options with medical product changes that could impact patient care. She has a vast understanding of the organization’s vision and goals and her decision-making ability is remarkable. Sharon has served on numerous committees that have positively impacted the hospital staff and community. She has served on the Executive committee, CARES committee, Employee Event Planning committee, CQVA – clinical quality value analysis, Credit union board, Ortho committee, just to name a few.

A funny story…During one of our CQVA meetings, supply chain recommended a less expensive bed pan. Sharon said, “This is flimsy, it just will not work; the nurse usually places the bed pan with one hand and this new one twists, this can’t twist when it’s is full of liquid, or it will spill all over… and then the nurse will have to clean up the mess. It will hurt the patients' bottoms, it’s not convenient or practicable for the nurse or patient. Would you like me to use this on your mother’s behind?” We switched to a sturdier model!

Sharon was nominated by Three additional individuals.