TIFTON — Harley Paulk, a registered nurse at Tift Regional Medical Center, was recently honored with The DAISY Team Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Paulk works in the Emergency Department at Tift Regional Medical Center. She was nominated for her extraordinary actions while caring for a pediatric patient who was in critical condition.

“Despite the chaotic environment that surrounds pediatric emergencies, Harley immediately established a calm and reassuring presence. She explained procedures clearly and patiently addressed the parent’s anxieties,” the nomination read. “She recognized the need of the patient and family at the time. Her actions directly contributed to a positive outcome for the patient, demonstrating exceptional communications skills and genuine empathy.”

Bryon Ross, Emergency Department director, said, “Harley embodies everything the DAISY Award stands for—compassion, excellence, and heart. Her ability to anticipate needs, advocate for others, and lead with empathy is something we all admire. We’re incredibly proud to have her on our team.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, California, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Barnes died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care he and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

“When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night,” said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, president and co-founder of The DAISY Foundation. “Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Tift Regional Medical Center are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses has been adopted by healthcare facilities around the world to celebrate nurses for their extraordinary care and compassion. The DAISY Team Award is for nurse-led teams of two or more who come together to solve a specific situation by going above and beyond. Nursing teams may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues, and they are chosen by a committee of nurses at Tift Regional Medical Center to receive The DAISY Team Award. The DAISY Team Award is presented each quarter at a surprise presentation. Each member of the Nursing Team receives a certificate commending them for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are and the incredibly meaningful difference your teamwork makes in the lives of so many people.” The Team also receives a specially engraved plaque engraved with the name of the Team.

“We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in the DAISY Award program,” said Tonia Garrett, chief nursing officer for Southwell. “Nurses like Harley go above and beyond for their patients, and we are grateful to the DAISY foundation for providing this on-going recognition platform for nurses.”