Darcy Kidder, left, nominated Olivia Williams, RN in the intensive care unit, for Goshen Health’s DAISY Award for providing compassionate care to her grandmother, Edna VanDiepenbos, on a recent stay at the hospital. Also shown is Darcy’s grandfather, Tom VanDiepenbos. Photo provided by Goshen Health System.

News Release

GOSHEN — Olivia Williams, a registered nurse in Goshen Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit, received the organization’s DAISY Award for the compassionate, expert care she provided a grandmother in the intensive care unit.

DAISY stands for Diseases Attacking the Immune System and the award is part of an international program honoring and celebrating the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.

The nomination, from the patient’s granddaughter, Darcy Kidder, reads: “My grandmother was admitted to the intensive care unit unexpectedly with an infection that quickly progressed to sepsis… I’m the only RN in the family so I tried to keep the whole family updated on the ever-changing situation.

My grandpa was only absorbing part of the information so with his permission I reached out to the nurse who was taking care of my grandmother. Our family was blessed to have Olivia taking care of grandma the first three days of her long stay. I called up to the ICU and asked Olivia to give me the whole picture, and she proceeded to give me all the labs, vitals, physical assessment and plan of care.

I was so impressed with her knowledge and assessment of the situation. Through that conversation I was able to breathe and feel comfortable to wait till the next day to make the hour drive to the hospital to see my grandma myself. Olivia was so understanding and willing to take the time out of her busy shift to talk with me. Grandpa really appreciated her and her care during their stay.

She took the time to explain to him what was happening and updated him frequently. During their time in ICU, they received excellent care… I’m happy to report that grandma is doing much better and is slowly gaining back strength and stamina with each day. Thank you for your amazing and compassionate care.”

“We appreciate Olivia’s contribution to our department so much. She consistently provides exceptional care to our patients and their families. Olivia will go above and beyond to advocate for her patients, she is a true gem,” said Patty Smith, ICU nurse manager.

To nominate a nurse at Goshen Health for the DAISY Award, visit GoshenHealth.com/About-Us/DAISY-Award. The DAISY Foundation, which promotes and distributes the awards, was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after he died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, they deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his entire family. When he died, they felt compelled to say “thank you” to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org.