Clinical Nurse Specialist Receives DAISY Award

Clinical Nurse Specialist Todd Olrich, RN, is the latest recipient of the DAISY Award.

Todd was nominated by Colleen Phinney, RN, who has worked with him for many years and has felt fortunate to have a collaborative relationship with him after working on numerous initiatives.

“He is a skilled practitioner as well as educator. He makes the learning fun and there has never been a project or assignment I have asked him to do that he has turned down,” Colleen said.

Colleen noted Todd’s compassion with patients, families and fellow nurses over the years and his consistent, easy-going nature and approachability.

She noted one day in particular where Todd’s care for his colleague was a great example of carepassion.

“I saw him sitting with a nurse who was clearly emotional and suffering. I saw him pull her into a safe space and take the time to gently calm her to be able to safely leave the building. He then took the time to ensure the nurse had the time off she needed for self-care. The empathy and kindness I witnessed will never be forgotten,” she said.

Congratulations, Todd! Thank you for leading by example and showing great fellowship to your Crouse family.

Todd’s wife, Kim, joined us for the presentation.

About the DAISY Award
In November 1999, the family of J. Patrick Barnes formed the DAISY Foundation as a way to express their profound gratitude to nurses for the work they do for patients and their families every day. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Pat died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. In 2015, Crouse became a DAISY-affiliated hospital and presents an award to a deserving nurse, selected by a committee, regularly throughout the year. The DAISY Award program at Crouse has been made possible through a donation from the Crouse Hospital Medical Staff.