Tammy Driver, RN, works in the Perioperative Services unit at Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.
From the nomination
“I came in for a procedure that was incredibly difficult and emotional for me. I had been trying to stay calm and composed, but it had been a heavy few weeks, and inside I was struggling. Tammy noticed that right away. Even though she was clearly busy caring for other patients, she took a moment to slow down with me. She told me everything was going to be okay, and when I finally let my emotions surface, she simply hugged me and let me release what I had been holding in. In that moment, she made me feel truly safe, cared for, and seen. That small but meaningful attention changed what had been a very difficult day into something a little more bearable. I am deeply grateful for the kindness and compassion she showed me when I needed it most.”
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.
