Hickory Sun

Catawba Valley Medical Center has announced the recipient of this quarter's DAISY Award, which honors exceptional nursing care. Donna Yates, a nurse in the Emergency Department, has been recognized for her dedication and compassion.

A nomination for Yates highlighted her attentive care for both a patient and their family. The nomination described how she provided emotional support to a patient's mother while managing her medical needs. "Donna Yates cared for my mother who was in a lot of pain," the nomination stated. "Donna really took the time to connect and talk to my mother while caring for her. She was so positive and attentive that it really lifted my mother's spirits."

The nomination further detailed how Yates ensured the patient's family member could be present during a critical moment: "My mother had to be transferred to Baptist for services not provided here... Donna called to inform me that EMS was there to pick up my mother. I told her I was about 10 mins from the hospital with her things. Donna said, ‘I'm worried about you driving to Baptist I'll make sure EMS waits till you get here.’"

This act of kindness resonated deeply with the family, leading them to commend Yates as embodying Catawba Valley Medical Center's mission statement: "Exceptional healthcare. Every person. Every time."

The DAISY Foundation was created by J. Patrick Barnes' family after he passed away from complications related to an autoimmune disease in 1999. They wanted to publicly express gratitude toward nurses who showed care and compassion during his hospitalization. The award is now given internationally.

For those interested in nominating someone for the DAISY Award, more information can be found at CatawbaValleyHealth.org/DAISY.