John Upham, BSN, RN
John Upham BSN, RN, works in the Adult 1 unit at Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital. He is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“This is my third visit to Vanderbilt Health for a mental health crisis. It has been several years since I have been back and I was somewhat nervous about coming back. The nervousness immediately left once I saw John walk through the unit doors. He has been my nurse for the most part of all my visits. John is kind, compassionate, and very well informed about all the medications I have taken and tried. He treats all patients with the perfect amount of dignity and respect. Should I oversleep, I wake up to him with a cup of water and my meds, if I miss a call, he lets me know immediately. John is incredibly kind and makes me feel safe and protected when needed. When I have visitors, specifically my mom, he treats her with the same kindness and respect he shows everyone else. I have serious trust issues, but I trust him. John is simply amazing. I personally believe he sets the standard for the profession in healthcare industry. I hope my kids turn out like him.”
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.
