Beebe gives DAISY Award to extraordinary nurse Michael Mason

Michael Mason, RN, a nurse on Beebe Healthcare’s stepdown unit, has been honored with this quarter’s DAISY Award. The award is a part of the DAISY Foundation’s national program to recognize the superhuman efforts nurses make every day.

Mason received the DAISY Award because of the care and support he provided for a COVID-19 patient at the end of her life, and the communication and connection he had with her family.

“Michael was an amazing advocate for my mother, as no visitation from her family was allowed,” said Mimi Otto, the patient’s daughter. “We were eventually allowed to be with her as she took her last breaths, but her nurse was the only link between her and the family up to that point. Michael kept us informed on a daily basis as to her progress and became her best ally.

“We, as a family, knew Michael had connected with her as a friend and had helped ease her fears while facing her imminent death,” she said. “He explained the process she was about to go through and was with her and us through every step of the way. The agonizing experience was made more tolerable because of the care that he provided to her and to us a family.

“I can’t think of a more worthy nurse to receive this recognition. Compassionate, competent and caring just begin to describe the qualities that he embodies. Beebe is truly fortunate to have a nurse like Michael on its staff.”

Mason was presented with a DAISY Award certificate and a hand-carved Healer’s Touch sculpture during a recent surprise, socially distant ceremony. Each DAISY honoree receives the statue and the certificate, which commends the honoree for being an extraordinary nurse. It reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” For details about the award, go to daisyfoundation.org.

Nurses may be nominated to receive the DAISY Award by patients, families and colleagues, and they are chosen by a committee of nurses at Beebe Healthcare. Awards are given throughout the year at presentations held in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients and visitors.