We are pleased to announce the most recent UAB Medicine DAISY Award, recognizing the extraordinary care and compassion that nurses provide for patients and families every day. Submissions and stories are reviewed each month, and the winner is surprised at a special ceremony.
Congratulations to the most recent winner, Chelsey Tucker, RN. Below is a summary of multiple nominations sharing why Chelsey is worthy of a DAISY Award.
Chelsey Tucker is an assistant nurse manager at the UAB Medicine Gardendale Freestanding Emergency Department (GFED). She displayed extraordinary compassion during a recent unexpected emergency visit for one family. Her quick thinking, expertise, and calm demeanor while caring for a pregnant patient and the patient’s premature infant as well as directing her team during the crisis exemplified the highest standards of nursing care.
During this critical moment, Chelsey heard the cries of the pregnant patient from the restroom. The patient was waiting to be transported to another facility for a higher level of care when she spontaneously delivered her infant prematurely. Demonstrating exceptional skill and composure, Chelsey provided nursing interventions and ensured the infant received the necessary critical care from the team at GFED. She also directed her team in the care of the mother to ensure she did not hemorrhage, and provided comfort and emotional support to the mother despite a language barrier and heightened anxiety.
In addition to her clinical nursing expertise, Chelsey embodied compassion, leadership, and dedication to patient care. From the moment the family arrived, Chelsey provided skilled medical care as well as emotional support that went far beyond her duties. Her presence was gentle yet strong, and she cared for the family as if they were her own. She made sure they felt seen, heard, and supported during this unexpected experience. Chelsey was a steady source of compassion, empathy, and humanity. She reminded the entire team what nursing is truly about – being there for people when they are at their most vulnerable.
Chelsey truly is an extraordinary nurse. Her actions that day went beyond her duties as a charge nurse, and the team’s heroic efforts deserve the highest recognition.