Evan McKay, BSN, RN. (photo by Erin O. Smith)
Evan McKay, BSN, RN, works in the Pediatric Hematology & Oncology clinic at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“Our family experienced a frightening situation while changing my son’s blina tubing at home. After the tube change, I noticed excessive blood flowing through the tubing. Our home care nurse ultimately called 911. The paramedics agreed to escort my son to the clinic rather than the emergency room. My husband and I had previously been told — on two separate occasions — that our son should not be disconnected from his infusion for longer than 20–30 minutes and that anything approaching an hour required immediate medical attention. Given that information, we were extremely alarmed.
“When we arrived, there was confusion about who would assess and treat my son. It was a high-stress and chaotic moment for our family. Evan immediately stepped in. She took control of the situation without hesitation, assessed our son, cleaned and repaired the port, and restarted the blina infusion promptly and confidently. After hearing the full sequence of events, Evan was the first nurse on site to take ownership of the situation. She demonstrated accountability, and most importantly, provided reassurance and calm during an incredibly distressing moment.
“Every nurse present that day was helpful, but the decisive action, professionalism, and empathy shown by Evan was exceptional. In moments like these, families remember who shows up. Evan did more than perform clinical duties, she restored order, safety, and trust during a crisis. Her care made all the difference for our son and for us. We are deeply grateful.”
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.
