The Neonatal Outreach Team consists of Mary Lee Lemley, MSN, RNC-NIC, Katie Judd, MSN, RN, CCRN, Meghan Arms, MSN, RN, RNC-NIC, and Jillian Brown, MHA, at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. They are one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award group winners.
From the nomination
“The Neonatal Outreach Team has demonstrated unwavering dedication to systems change advocacy, revolutionizing neonatal emergency care to ensure that the smallest and most vulnerable patients have a greater chance of survival. This team has implemented innovative solutions that are transforming emergency response protocols and improving outcomes for newborns across the region. They spearheaded a multifaceted advocacy campaign to address these issues, their efforts resulted in policy changes mandating the inclusion of neonatal-specific supplies and protocols on ambulances, ensuring that EMS responders are equipped to deliver optimal care during neonatal emergencies. The team identified the need for specialized training to prepare EMS professionals for neonatal emergencies and collaborated with key stakeholders for the integration of Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification into EMS training curricula.
“To expand access to training statewide, the team worked with the Tennessee Department of Health and TennCare to secure funding for NRP Online Education. These efforts are particularly impactful in Tennessee’s 54 Maternal Desert counties. Their work addresses disparities in neonatal health care in our state especially those in rural and underserved areas. The Neonatal Outreach Team has transformed emergency neonatal care systems in Tennessee. Their efforts exemplify the power of teamwork, dedication, and a shared commitment to ensuring that every newborn has the greatest chance of survival, regardless of geographic location. This team is truly deserving of the TEAM Daisy Award for their profound impact on maternal and neonatal care across the state.”
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.
