Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus Neurosurgery Nurse Navigator Olivia Washinski, BSN, RN, CBIS, is a recipient of the DAISY Award for providing extraordinary nursing care. 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.
Washinski was nominated by her Bayhealth Neurosurgery coworker Rahmia Woodson following an experience with a patient earlier this year. Woodson became concerned with the state of the health of a patient while registering her. When called for assistance, Washinski quickly flew into action and helped the patient. “Due to Olivia’s fast thinking, amazing nursing skills, and extremely caring heart, she was able to help the patient and she has fully recovered,” Woodson wrote in the nomination. “I am extremely grateful to have Olivia here in neurosurgery and I truly appreciate her.”
Washinski has been a nurse for nine years, five of which have been with Bayhealth. Previously she worked as an emergency department nurse and as a forensic nurse examiner in Maryland. Her experience working in those former roles prepared her to deal with patients who are in difficult living situations, like the patient Washinski was nominated for assisting. “I’m honored and surprised to receive the DAISY Award,” Washinski said. “It was wonderful to receive the award, but I really just did what a nurse is supposed to do in the situation.”
Coming from a city hospital, Washinski likes the community atmosphere that comes along with working at Bayhealth. “We’re caring for and helping people. To see that what I do makes a difference means a lot. I’m here to support the patients and their families in whatever way I can,” Washinski said.
Hospitals and healthcare systems across the country, including Bayhealth, partner with the DAISY Foundation on the award. DAISY is an acronym for Disease Attacking the Immune System. The goals of the foundation include funding research and evidence-based practice projects that affect the treatment of patients with auto-immune diseases.
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.
