SGMC Health recognized Michael Norwood with the August DAISY Award for extraordinary nursing. He was honored for his nursing skill and unwavering compassion during a patient’s final days.
Norwood was nominated by a patient’s granddaughter who shared a touching story of how he went above and beyond in providing not only exceptional care but also emotional support to the entire family during a very difficult time.
On one of the patient’s most challenging days, Norwood demonstrated an extraordinary level of compassion. He dimmed the lights, closed the shades, and gently sang “Amazing Grace” to calm her. This simple yet profound act of kindness brought peace to the patient and left a mark on the family.
Throughout the patient’s final hours, which were spent surrounded by a large group of loving family members, Norwood not only cared for the patient with the utmost professionalism but also extended his care to the entire family. He regularly checked on them, offering blankets, drinks, and comforting words. Despite the large number of people in the room, he remained calm, attentive, and approachable, always ready to answer questions and provide reassurance.
The family expressed their profound gratitude for Michael’s compassionate care, stating, “Mike, I know nursing is hard, the days can be long, and the sacrifices are many. But rest assured you are doing EXACTLY what you are meant to be doing. You have been a blessing to our family.”
SGMC Health continues to ask patients and fellow employees to honor nurses they feel go above and beyond in their actions and care. Nominations are reviewed by a committee based on criteria that include compassion, teamwork, leadership, attitude, 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 her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” They also receive a beautiful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. A special floral arrangement of daisies was generously donated by The Flower Gallery, the local sponsor of SGMC Health’s DAISY Award.
To nominate a nurse for the DAISY award, visit sgmc.org/daisy.
