Morgan D’Orso, BSN, RN, CPN, works in the Pediatric Acute Care unit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“During our daughter’s recent hospital stay, we experienced firsthand the profound impact a nurse can have on a family’s journey through illness. When we were admitted with our eight-year-old daughter, we were emotionally and physically drained. On our third full day inpatient, we had the privilege of meeting Morgan and from the moment she walked into our room, she was a ray of sunshine. She was there greeting us with a warm smile and a sense of reassurance that felt like a lifeline. She anticipated every need, before we even had to ask, and provided care in a way that allowed us, for the first time in days, to finally take a breath. Morgan didn’t just provide excellent medical care, she transformed our experience. Her kindness, attentiveness and genuine compassion made an unbearable situation feel just a little bit lighter.
“One of the most meaningful ways Morgan impacted our stay was through her connection with our daughter. For a child who had been through so much, Morgan was one of the few people who could still bring a smile. After six days of repeated hospital visits, two admissions, and five nights in the hospital, Morgan stood out as the brightest part of our entire experience. Her skill, empathy, and joyful presence made an immeasurable difference to our family, and we are forever grateful. She is not just an exceptional nurse, she is a true light in the lives of the patients and families she cares for.”
About DAISY Awards
The DAISY Award is a recognition for extraordinary nurses who exemplify compassion toward patients and families.
Vanderbilt Health 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.
Vanderbilt Health 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.
