Amanda Smith, MSN, RN, works in Nursing Education at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“Amanda has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication as a nurse educator in her work on both the Pediatric Hematology Oncology (PHO) and Pediatric Medicine Acute Care (PMAC) units. One of her most nurturing and exceptional qualities is the amount of time she spends in person with her staff, ensuring they are learning in a safe and supportive environment. She regularly comes in early or stays late into the evening to spend time with orientees, preceptors, and staff who need educational support or mentoring.
“One story that stands out is about a nurse resident who transferred from PCICU to PMAC. Amanda took extra time to ensure she had a smooth and successful transition. She made sure the nurse resident felt welcomed and checked on her regularly and collaborated to provide an ongoing structure of support. Amanda paired her with strong and caring nurses who helped her feel right at home in her new unit.
“She continuously communicates the learning objectives and goals needed to provide additional education and orientation support to PHO and PMAC staff members, but she also cares about each CEF feeling supported in their role as well. Amanda deeply cares and connects with her peers and staff. Amanda’s genuine nature makes everyone she spends time with feel valued and cared for. Her impact inspires those she serves and will influence pediatric nursing for years to come.”
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.
