Occ Med’s Terry Harding is January's DAISY Award recipient

A program to recognize the care and compassion of extraordinary nurses continues at UHS with Terry Harding, NP, UHS Occupational Medicine, being named the January winner of the DAISY Award! Terry was recognized and presented with the award for the achievement, and enjoyed cinnamon rolls, a symbolic treat in honor of Patrick Barnes, whose experience inspired the award. 

The UHS nurse practitioner was nominated by co-worker, Kimberly Durkee, BSN, RN, CCM, after Terry responded quickly, correctly and sensitively to an incident in which an employee experienced an on-the-job injury in a high-risk situation. 

Terry talked with the employee by phone in a compassionate tone of voice, reassured her and encouraged her to report to Employee Health.  Even though it was at the end of the day, Terry saw the employee and coordinated additional care for her with two medical specialists.  Terry stayed on the job until she completely followed up with the care of the employee.  Said Kimberly: “Terry provided reassurance, trust and compassionate care during a difficult situation.” 

Kimberly’s nomination of Terry further stated:  "Terry goes beyond the care of injured workers. She comes to the clinic early and leaves late, many times she is the last person to leave. She will assist anyone without hesitating regarding care.  Terry has a lot of compassion for employees, especially with this situation and other difficult problems. She is respected by her team and is reliable to all workers and co-workers. If you have personal questions or concerns, she is approachable and gives you comfort without asking. Terry has many talents and goes beyond what she needs to do."

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem) Award is an international recognition program that honors and celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes after the Seattle man died from complications of the auto-immune disease ITP in 1999. During his hospitalization, the family members deeply appreciated the care and compassion shown to Patrick and his loved ones. When he died, they felt compelled to say thank you to nurses in a very public way. To learn more, visit DAISYFoundation.org. 

Started at UHS in April 2021, nurses are nominated by anyone in the organization - patients, family members, other nurses, physicians, other clinicians and staff - anyone who experiences or observes extraordinary care being provided by a nurse.

Nominations are submitted by using a form found on NYUHS.org. On this form, the person will be able to tell the story of why they are nominating the nurse, while also choosing which UHS Value (Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, Innovation) the nurse displayed.

If you have any questions, please contact Toni Nash at (607) 763-6896 or send an email to daisy@nyuhs.org.