Anna Merett Lykins, RN, works in the Obstetrics/Gynecology Unit at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. She is one of the latest DAISY Award winners at VUMC.
From the nomination
“After a drastic shift in birth plan to keep myself and our first baby safe, Merett was an actual angel dressed up as a nurse to help me feel human again. The entire OR team was phenomenal with my unplanned cesarean section, and I later learned Merett was part of the team. She made a really scary experience as peaceful as it could be. After many hours of labor beginning Sunday and an indicated C-section Tuesday, I was so exhausted come Wednesday. Merett was there and helped me literally, step-by-step from the bed to the bathroom, her patience unmatched. I was in a considerable amount of pain, felt incredibly unclean, and embarrassed. Merett so graciously helped me remove my clothes, wash myself off, removed the catheter, helped me void my bladder, and wash off the remnants of the C-section. All of this with a smile, incredible graciousness and compassion. That continued for the remainder of her shift and while she set me up with the incoming nurse. When I had an issue in the bathroom shortly before the shift change, Merett handled it so quickly and kindly I barely even had a moment to feel stressed. Postpartum is a hard time, and Merett brought so much compassion to her shift, that I feel incredibly blessed to have had her care for me during the most vulnerable time of my life. Thank you, Merett!”
About DAISY Awards
The DAISY Award is a recognition for extraordinary nurses who exemplify compassion toward patients and families.
VUMC distributes the award in partnership with The DAISY Foundation, which was formed in 1999 to honor the memory of J. Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old man who died of complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Barnes’ family was moved by the care they received from his nurses and wanted to recognize them to preserve his memory. DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.
VUMC nurse committees determine the individual recipients. Previous recipients of the DAISY Award are here. The award is open to all licensed nurses, and anyone can nominate — including co-workers, patients and their families. Nominations may be made here.