St. Mary's Health Care System issued the following announcement on Sept. 15.
Mary Ballard, a registered nurse who works night shift at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, has received St. Mary’s systemwide DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence.
Mary was nominated for the award by a patient who was touched by her commitment, kindness and professionalism.
“She had a genuine concern for my well-being, always soft-spoken, gentle and reassuring,” the patient wrote in her nomination. “She took time tending to my mental health as well as my physical discomfort. I had much anxiety and trepidation during my stay, but when Mary was on duty, I felt a sense of relief.”
According to Good Sam Nursing Director Kimberly Tyler, the care Mary provided to this patient is simply what she does for every patient, every time she works.
“Mary is an asset to our medical/surgical department and our whole hospital,” Tyler said. “She has a servant leader's heart and makes a difference in patient lives every day. Because of COVID-19, this is an incredibly stressful time to be a nurse. But through it all, Mary demonstrates the compassion and professionalism that nurses strive to achieve at all times.”
Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Georgia State University in 1986 and came to Good Sam in 2019 from the Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Mary lives in Madison with her family.
“Receiving the DAISY Award is something that a nurse can take with them for their entire career,” said Ann Gomes, interim chief nursing officer for St. Mary’s Health Care System. “It’s special for every nurse who receives it. We are proud of all our nurses, but especially proud of Mary and all of our DAISY Award recipients.”
Original source can be found here.
Source: St. Mary's Health Care System
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