Each day, Bayhealth nurses go above and beyond to care for their patients. Bayhealth Milford Memorial’s Tanya Karaman’s, RN, approach to patient care made her a clear choice for the latest DAISY Award. The DAISY Award is given by the DAISY Foundation, which was formed in 2000 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes. The Barnes family wanted to recognize the nurses who cared for Patrick and all the other “unsung heroes” of the nursing profession.
Karaman was nominated for the award by a patient who was in Karaman’s care following a C-section last year. During the patient’s time at Bayhealth Milford Memorial, she wrote she was under the care of phenomenal nurses at the Center for Women and Infants at Milford Memorial, but noted that she spent the most time with Karaman. “She was very genuine and sincere in all of our interactions. My husband and I both were so at ease when we saw her return for another shift as our nurse,” the patient wrote. “She took the time to understand my pain and concerns as a new mom, and made me feel safe and comfortable. She was more than helpful to me, and I will always think of how well I was treated during the start of our new chapter.”
The award was unexpected for Karaman, who noted any one of the nurses on her unit could’ve been recognized as they go above and beyond every day for patients. “Receiving this award has helped me to realize the importance of both recognizing each other and making sure to thank the people who touch our lives every day. I never expected to receive any kind of recognition for just doing my job, and I really would like to thank the patient for her kind words and for taking the time to express them in such a special way,” Karaman said. “Making someone’s day a little easier drives me. Whether they’re exhausted or in pain, I want to make that better for them if I can. It’s very meaningful to know I made a difference for this patient. I will always be grateful to her for taking the time to let me know.”
DAISY Award honorees are chosen by nurses, administrators, peers, physicians, volunteers, patients, and family. If you know a Bayhealth nurse who deserves to be nominated, visit Bayhealth.org/Daisy and fill out the nomination form.
