Kevin Plowman, RN, works in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt University Hospital. He is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“Kevin Plowman was kind, professional, caring, and AMAZING to my family as we had to say goodbye to my husband, while he was hospitalized in the MICU. One of the things that touched me most included the morning he had to be taken for a CT scan; my husband was attached to numerous life support machines, and Kevin was ‘superhuman’ as he carefully and singlehandedly prepared him for the trip. Kevin looked at us, looked at his watch, smiled and said he would be back within 99 minutes-the time my husband needed to be back on the machines-and he was! Kevin absolutely made sure he returned, safe, sound and on time. We had all fallen in love with Kevin as a person and a compassionate, skilled nurse.
“The last morning was very hard as we knew my husband was not going to recover. Kevin was on call but didn’t know if he would be called in. That morning, a new nurse came in and told us that Kevin was here and would like to take over care. I cried, I was so touched and relieved that Kevin was going to be with us to help us through this tough day. As planned, the machines were turned off, one at a time. My husband only lived 30 minutes after the first machine went off. He was ready. Kevin hugged and cried with us. I think he had fallen in love with us too. What an amazing nurse he is. I would shower Kevin Plowman with a million daises if I could, but I am hoping this award will show him just how important he is to my family. We love you, Kevin!”
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. Nominations may be made here.
