Amber Rodgers, a Staff Nurse with the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, was recently named a DAISY Award Recipient for McLeod Regional Medical Center. Amber was nominated by a patient’s family member 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 superhuman efforts nurses perform every day.

On the nomination form, Brooke Parris wrote, “From the Emergency Department staff to PICU nurses, medical surgical technicians, and physicians as well as respiratory therapists, Mark and I are most grateful for their dedication to our son, Nicholas. They saved his life. There is one nurse, however, who has truly distinguished herself by going above and beyond – Amber Rodgers.

“Amber’s meticulous attention to detail and profound compassion set her apart, reflecting values that surpass even those upheld by McLeod. She embraced our son with the warmth and dedication of family, delivering a level of care beyond our expectations. 

“Our son spent 16 days in the PICU, and we could not be more grateful for the care we received. While every member of the team was wonderful, we came to rely particularly on Amber’s presence. She provided us with reassurance and comfort, especially during moments when we feared for our son’s well-being.

“Amber consistently went beyond the call of duty. She meticulously organized our son’s tubes and cables, bathed him on every shift he was her patient, and ensured his utmost comfort. Words cannot fully convey our gratitude for Amber and the entire PICU team.”

Nurses may be nominated for the DAISY Award for their strong clinical skills and the compassionate care they provide. Nomination forms are available on each nursing unit at McLeod Regional Medical Center.

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.

Caption: DAISY Award recipient Amber Rodgers, RN, is pictured with the Parris family.