OPELIKA, Ala.—Six East Alabama Health nurses were recently honored with DAISY Awards. The DAISY Award is given nationally and internationally to outstanding nurses who provide exceptional care for their patients. Recipients are nominated by someone who has experienced their dedication to providing high-quality, compassionate health care.
“The DAISY Award is a very special award given to extraordinary nurses,” said Nicki Ware, chief nursing officer at EAH. “When you see a nurse wearing a DAISY pin, you know that you have the best, and EAH has awarded several of these over the years.
“There is nothing I love more professionally than to hear detailed stories of how our compassionate and highly skilled nurses touch the lives of their patients and families, and how they support their coworkers.”
An acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System, the DAISY Foundation was formed by the family of Patrick Barnes, who died at 33, to offer gratitude to outstanding nurses.
The DAISY Award recipients were Karlee Smith, a nurse on East Alabama Medical Center's (EAMC) Progressive Care Unit (PCU), Aquarius Golatte-Chapelle, a nurse on 5T, Lynn Capps, a nurse in EAMC's Emergency Department, Mardi Smith, a nurse in Cardiac Rehab at EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital, and Arkira Dowdell and Ann Pollard, both nurses at the Spencer Cancer Center.
Karlee Smith - Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
Karlee Smith, a PCU nurse at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC), was recognized with a DAISY Award for her exceptional commitment to patient care. During a surprise ceremony held to present her award, coworkers shared nominations about how Smith's kindness, compassion and unwavering professionalism not only touches the lives of those she cares for but also create a positive ripple effect throughout their entire team.
Aquarius Golatte-Chapelle - 5T
Aquarius Golatte-Chapelle, a nurse at the fifth floor at EAMC, was recognized with a DAISY Award for the support she provides to her patients, their families and her colleagues. Her coworkers shared heartfelt words of appreciation during a ceremony held to recognize her, sharing just how much she means to them and to the patients she serves.
Lynn Capps - EAMC Emergency Department
Lynn Capps, a nurse in the Emergency Department at EAMC, was honored with a DAISY Award on May 13. Described by her team as calm under pressure, incredibly flexible and always patient-focused, Capps embodies what it means to be an exceptional nurse. During her recognition ceremony, Robert Leach, M.D., shared touching words about Capps' longevity, unwavering dedication and her humor that brings light to even the most intense moments in the Emergency Department.
Mardi Smith - EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital Cardiac Rehab
Mardi Smith, a nurse in Cardiac Rehab at EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital was honored with a DAISY Award for her dedication to providing patients with high-quality, compassionate health care. During a ceremony held to present her with the award, Smith's coworkers shared how much they value her and her contributions.
Arkira Dowdell - Spencer Cancer Center
Arkira Dowdell, a nurse at the Spencer Cancer Center, was presented with a DAISY Award for her incredible displays of compassion during a joint ceremony for both her and co-worker Ann Pollard. Dowdell's nomination came from Reba Street, a patient who credited her with helping restore her spirit during one of the hardest times of her life. She spoke of Dowdell's steadfast support, compassion and strength that lifted her up when she felt broken.
Ann Pollard - Spencer Cancer Center
Ann Pollard, a nurse at the Spencer Cancer Center, was presented with a DAISY Award for her unfaltering commitment to her patients during a joint ceremony for both her and co-worker Arkira Dowdell. During the ceremony, Pollard was described as a source of knowledge, energy and unwavering love for her patients. Marcus Jordan, a patient of Pollard's, shared that she has treated him like family during his cancer diagnosis and he read his nomination aloud for all to hear how special Pollard is to him and his family.
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About East Alabama Health
East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital that is currently under construction to add 30 critical care beds. EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital provides emergency and outpatient services while its campus also features a nursing home and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,800 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University.
