Registered Nurse Latest DAISY Award Recipient

Ericka Williams, RN, is the recipient of the January Crouse DAISY Award for nursing excellence.

The patient who nominated Ericka has medical issues, including an opiate addiction. She spent a few very sick days in the intensive care unit, and when she left the ICU , she was very depressed. She said many people treat her with indifference due to her addiction and medical history, but Ericka tried to take more time with her.

On the second day of caring for this patient, Ericka brought in some makeup from home. She helped the patient style her hair and put on makeup to make her feel better.

The patient said, “Ericka goes above and beyond for her patients. I could never thank her enough for all she has done for me. Best nurse ever!”

Upon receiving Ericka’s nomination, her manager, Colleen Phinney, said, “This is one of the many stories I have heard over the past year from patients cared for by Ericka. I can’t think of a more deserving nurse for this award.”

Chief Nursing Officer Betty O’Connor (right) presented Ericka with her DAISY award this morning.

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.