McKenzie Herbert, BSN, RN. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
McKenzie Herbert, BSN, RN, works in Pediatric Cardiac Intensive 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
“My son was transported via helicopter. My teenage son and I were terrified because everyone started talking about extensive surgery as soon as that evening. McKenzie was the calm and comfort we needed. She let me hug her and cry on her shoulder all while being the strength and gentle spirit my son needed.
“Only a couple hours after we arrived it was shift change, and yet McKenzie stayed an extra two to three hours so my son wouldn’t have to change nurses before all his scans and testing were done. This was above and beyond and exactly the type of nurse we prayed for while en route to Vanderbilt.
“The morning of my son’s surgery, McKenzie came to tell our son how amazing he would do and what good hands he would be in. She prayed with us and encouraged us as parents. Her shift ended just as he was coming into ICU, but she made sure to stay with him for a bit and talk with us before leaving.
“She provided comfort by preparing us for what he would look like when we saw him. She assured us his night nurse was amazing and he was in great hands. All of this was on her own time. Throughout our son’s stay afterwards, McKenzie would take her own time after her shift to keep coming and checking on our son and telling him how amazing he was doing.
“McKenzie is the type of nurse every family dreams of because she not only provides amazing care, but she truly cares about her patients and their families. She will forever be in our hearts!”
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 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.
