Lacey Thomas, BSN, RN, works in the Progressive Care unit at Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“It is with heartfelt gratitude and admiration that I nominate Lacey Thomas. During my husband’s recent stay, Lacey provided an extraordinary level of care that exemplifies every ideal the DAISY Award seeks to honor.
“From the moment we arrived, Lacey’s warm greeting and confident professionalism set the tone for our entire experience. My husband posed detailed questions about his condition, each of his procedures and the monitoring equipment. Lacey answered every question with patience, precision, and an unmistakable enthusiasm for teaching. Her clear explanations transformed unfamiliar medical jargon into reassuring knowledge, easing his anxiety, and giving him confidence in the entire staff at your hospital.
“Equally striking was Lacey’s compassion. She anticipated needs before we voiced them: whether adjusting pillows, coordinating quiet hours so he could rest, or offering an encouraging word at just the right moment. Her winning personality and genuine joy in nursing radiated through each interaction. I have long taught my children that, ‘attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.’ Lacey is the living embodiment of that principle.
“Beyond her care for us, Lacey’s uplifting spirit was evident in every exchange with her fellow staff members. She seamlessly collaborated, always with a respectful tone and positivity. Her professionalism elevates those around her and reinforces the culture of excellence for which Vanderbilt is known. Because of Lacey’s attentive, knowledgeable, and compassionate care, what could have been a stressful hospital stay became a deeply positive experience. I can think of no nurse more deserving of recognition.”
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.
