King Named Extraordinary Nurse at SGMC

Michaela King, chemo nurse in the Pearlman Cancer Center, has been named South Georgia Medical Center’s DAISY Award recipient for October. The award is part of the international DAISY Foundation developed to recognize excellence in nursing. King was nominated by her patient who said this, “When I thought I was going to give up on fighting my cancer she came to see me in the hospital and sat at my bedside. She held my hand and reminded me that I was a fighter. She tells me that I have inspired her and helped patients find joy but this nurse has helped me when I have been at my weakest.” She continued to commend King’s attention to detail, knowledge and willingness to go out of her way to make patients comfortable and lift their spirits. “She knows exactly how to balance being a nurse who follows the rules for her patients and still having a heart to remind you that these healthcare workers are all people,” said the patient. “I want to thank her for always holding my hand during this walk.” King has been with SGMC for three years. SGMC continues to ask patients and fellow employees to honor nurses they feel go above and beyond in their care. Nominations are reviewed by a committee based on criteria that include compassion, teamwork, leadership, attitude, and skills and knowledge. DAISY awards are presented monthly in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate commending him or her for being an “Extraordinary Nurse” and a sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. The honoree also received a bouquet of fresh daisies courtesy of Zant’s Flower Shop and complimentary scrubs from Southern Scrubs and Simply Scrubs. To nominate a nurse for the DAISY award, visit www.sgmc.org/DAISYaward.