Sheldonia Hyman, a Staff Nurse in the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), was recently named a DAISY Award Recipient for McLeod Regional Medical Center. Sheldonia was nominated by a patient for her extraordinary care and compassion.

To recognize those Nurses at McLeod Regional Medical Center who are true examples of Nursing Excellence, patients, family members and co-workers may nominate nurses for the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

On the nomination form, the patient wrote, “Sheldonia captured my heart immediately. She exhibited a standard of compassion for me as a patient that endeared her to me, with a smile even a face mask could not conceal.

“Her joy was a light in the darkness throughout my very unexpected cardiac event. We shared stories of families, faith, and became extended family during my stay in CCU. When it was time for me to be released, I truly exhibited some feelings of grief over leaving my new friend and sister.

“As a patient I am distinctly aware of passion, dedication, energy, skill, and determination of all nurses. They hold the CCU together and are the engine of the exemplary service and care I experienced.

“Sheldonia made a very positive, gracious and compelling impression on both my wife and me. We did life together during my short stay in CCU. She is a shining example of how God calls individuals to specific vocations, and I experienced God’s smile on me through the heart-warming care of Sheldonia.”

About the DAISY Nursing Award

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique way of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Recipients of the DAISY Award are chosen by the DAISY committee, led by nurses at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Awards are given throughout the year at presentations in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” The honoree is also given a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch,” hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa.