Miranda Pruitt, Emergency Department Charge Nurse at SGMC Lanier Campus, received The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses for October. The award is part of the international DAISY Foundation, a program developed to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform everyday.

Pruitt was nominated by SGMC Lanier Campus Administrator Jan Myers for her response to an influx of gunshot wound victims last month. This was an unconventional scenario for the small rural hospital. “Miranda took control of the unfavorable situation; all patients and staff were safe,” said Myers. “She was the delegator, who never once faltered in delivering compassionate, competent and safe care."

SGMC implemented the program last month, asking patients and fellow employees to honor nurses they felt went above and beyond in their care. A committee comprised of various employees throughout the organization reviewed nearly 30 nominations based on criteria that included compassion, teamwork, leadership, attitude, and skills and knowledge.

Awards will continue to be given monthly 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” and a beautiful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. Recipients also receive a bouquet of daisies donated by local flower shops. This month SGMC thanks The Flower Gallery for their generous donation.

To nominate a nurse for the DAISY award, visit www.sgmc.org/DAISYAward.