Aspirus Wausau Hospital honored Vickie Lange, RN, in CICU with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition for her commitment and patient centered approach to care. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.
Aspirus Wausau Hospital DAISY Award recipients are nurses recognized for meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of patients and families by displaying our core values.
Lange was nominated for the DAISY Award by the family member of a patient who submitted the following testimonial (some info omitted for patient privacy): “In the CICU there were many amazing RNs and CNAs, but I spent the most time with a lovely nurse named Vickie Lange. Always smiling and laughing and made me comfortable. When I asked her how long she’s been a nurse at Aspirus, she said 25 years. All in critical care! She said she loved her job (I could tell). My husband and adult children could tell she was self-assured, had confidence and was a great advocate for me. She asked Dr. Miles to change some pain medications because the one that I was on made me feel sick and tired. After she gave me the new medication I was able to walk and eat. Her back rubs were the best; repositioning pillows all the time; asking if there was anything she could do for me or my family members; even offered to serve coffee to them even though it was not in her job description. I felt “normal” somewhat. She was affectionate. Held my hand when I needed support and when I finally transferred to CTU she gave me and my family hugs and wished me well. Vickie was my hero when I needed her the most. One last thing, I’ve had neighbors and friends who have been patients at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and none have ever been disappointed. I hope all young nurses can look up to Vickie and be just as amazing. Keep up the great job.”
Lange and her co-workers were treated to cinnamon rolls which honor the memory of the late Patrick Barnes who once ate his father’s cinnamon roll when he was in the hospital without an appetite for food. He then requested one for the next day - and enough for all the nurses in the unit. The hope is that whenever a nurse smells that wonderful cinnamon aroma, they’ll stop for a minute and think of how special they are for being a nurse. Lange also received a certificate and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa. A celebratory banner will hang in the CICU for one month, generating very positive conversation about the special role nurses play in patient care.
Established in 1999, the family of J. Patrick Barnes created the DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award to honor his memory with a tribute to the skillful and compassionate care he received from his nurses during his hospitalization. Today, more than 2,000 health care facilities in every state and 15 countries honor nurses with the DAISY Award.
Nurses may be nominated by patients, families and visitors, and they are chosen by a committee of nurses at Aspirus Wausau Hospital to receive The DAISY Award. Awards are given throughout the year at presentations in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors. Congratulations Vickie!