Jada Milikan, RN, PRN, works in the Center for Women’s Health at Vanderbilt One Hundred Oaks. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“I miscarried at 11 weeks and first connected with nurse Jada for an in-office procedure for the missed miscarriage. She called a few days before the procedure, and I expressed how anxious I was. She patiently talked me through the whole procedure, offered suggestions to navigate my anxiety and assured me she would be there. Upon hearing that, I felt immediate relief and knew I was in good hands. On the day of the procedure, nurse Jada spent time talking with my husband and I, asked about our family, and reassured us that everything was going to be okay.
“Unfortunately, the procedure did not go as planned and I was rushed to Vanderbilt’s main campus and spent three days in the ICU. When I was discharged, nurse Jada called to check on me. She shared how worried she had been and how relieved she was that I was okay. She even asked about my husband and son — by name — and showed genuine care for me and my family.
“Several months later, I needed a follow-up procedure at the same office and nurse Jada called before that procedure. We spent a few minutes catching up, then she carefully walked me through this procedure. I shared how anxious I was, especially given the scary situation months earlier. She listened compassionately, affirmed my feelings and assured me I was in control of the whole procedure. I can’t express the relief I felt knowing that nurse Jada would be there once again. Having someone in the room who knew the whole story made me feel safe during a particularly vulnerable time.
“When we arrived, nurse Jada warmly welcomed us and even had cookies waiting for me. Prior to starting the procedure, she continued to check in and helped me navigate my anxiety. Afterwards, she wished us well on our fertility journey and I felt like I had a true cheerleader in my corner. Nurse Jada is perhaps the most compassionate, patient-focused nurse I have ever encountered. She was with me through two very challenging procedures and yet they were made easier by her kindness and care. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of a DAISY Award than nurse Jada.”
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.
