Susie McCalla honored with DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses

Susie McCalla, RN, of Christiana Hospital’s 6E Oncology/Hematology Unit, received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for July 2019.

ChristianaCare DAISY Award recipients are nurses recognized for meeting and exceeding the needs and expectations of patients and families by displaying exceptional clinical skills, compassion, respect and partnership.

The DAISY nomination for McCalla came from Terrie Brynes, the mother of a patient who lost her daughter to cervical cancer. She wrote, “I would like to recognize Susie for her outstanding compassion.

“Susie was a breath of fresh air. She was energetic, friendly and caring. Watching Susie during her rounds, you could see the other nurses also admired her.

“My daughter instantly felt better when Susie was around. She felt cared for and safe. Susie was my daughter’s advocate. Throughout her experience, she knew when something was wrong or wasn’t working. She attended to my daughter’s every need, comforting her, talking to her about her own experiences and giving her courage and hope.

“Susie was the last person my daughter spoke with before she passed. Even while in hospice, Susie came to see her to make sure my daughter was OK. She was a great comfort to our family.”

The international DAISY Award program honors skillful and compassionate nursing care. The Professional Nurse Council at ChristianaCare selects DAISY Award recipients using an anonymous selection process based on nominations from patients, families and all members of the ChristianaCare team. All nurses — inpatient, outpatient and VNA — are eligible.

Click here to nominate a ChristianaCare nurse for a DAISY Award.