AdventHealth Ottawa Introduces its First DAISY Award Winner

November 04, 2021 — AdventHealth Ottawa announces the first winner of the DAISY Award, an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. Heather Karlin, RN is a nurse in surgery department.

Heather is a patient advocate and takes excellent care of all of her patients. She was nominated multiple times by team members and patients, who shared:

"Heather was amazing and compassionate in her care for me. I woke from anesthesia very emotional, confused and was crying - thinking I was with our little grandson who had recently passed away. She listened to me with her whole self and showed amazing care for me, reassuring me and letting me talk. Made my entire experience so much better. She even checked in on me before I was discharged on a different day. What a huge impact she made on me.”

"She was kind, efficient and very helpful. She was great with my daughter in explaining everything. She was so accommodating when my blood sugar was running low and for some crackers and juice for me. I am so impressed with her kindness and pride she has for this hospital and those working in it."

"It is difficult to describe just one story that reflects her dedication to patient care and teamwork. Heather really is the personification of going above and beyond. The time she takes to ensure patients have a complete understanding of the surgery process and what to expect afterward is extraordinary; as well as her willingness to help any member of our team when she is available to do so. There has been more than one occasion that she has stayed to help me get things done that were not specifically assigned to her. She understands that a team of people that work together and support one another makes for a much more satisfied team that is happy to come to work, which is reflected in the quality of care we are able to provide to the patients."

The DAISY Award was created by the family of J. Patrick Barnes in 1999 to thank the nurses who cared for Patrick and for them as he battled an autoimmune disease. Patrick lost his battle, but his family realized the impact his nurses had on the final days of his life. For that, they wanted to create an opportunity for all families who experience the benefits of the extraordinary care of nurses to show their appreciation. To nominate an AdventHealth Ottawa nurse, visit AdventHealthOttawa.com/DAISY.