Emily Dunn, BSN, RN, works in the Pediatric Medicine Acute Care unit at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“It was my first hospitalization and as an unfamiliar 17-year old I was scared, confused, and in a very lonely headspace. Emily was my night nurse, and she was beyond kind, caring, and compassionate. She was attentive to my every want and need. Though I didn’t know what my stay would bring, I knew I would be fully taken care of. She brought me snacks all through the night, routinely checked on me, made sure I was able to get a shower, communicated with me and my momma, made sure I got the medicine I needed when it seemed like it was disregarded earlier, and even had real conversations with me.
“We were able to relate through music (Rock the South) and strawberry tongue LOL. Emily felt more like a friend than a nurse. I think she was one of the most considerate people I’ve ever met. Though my stay was relatively short, she kept me comfortable and at ease through it all. I honestly looked forward to seeing her every night. She went above and beyond for me. She has found her calling, and she’s living it. The experience proved to me there are some people that TRULY CARE about the difference they make. They CARE about their patients. They CARE about people. It’s a beautiful thing. It has impacted me in such a way I’m now considering pursuing nursing after completion of my cosmetology program. If I can make an impact on one person the way Emily impacted me, it’d all be worth it. It can’t be an easy job but knowing you made someone feel okay has to be oh so fulfilling. As a now 19-year old, I can look back on my stay with gratitude, peace, and comfort, thanks to Emily. 🤍”
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.