Nurse Tanya Antal, MSN, is the first recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses given at RUSH Copley Medical Center. The DAISY award is an international recognition program to thank nurses for the “super-human” work they do for patients and families every day.
“Tanya made me feel like I was her only patient,” said Sabrina Wilson, the patient who nominated Antal. “I came into the hospital unable to move due to a back injury. I have never been in so much pain and I did not think I could walk. Tanya believed in me and worked with me, at my own pace, and got me to stand and walk without pain. She exceeded all my expectations of patient care.”
Sabrina’s husband, David, also nominated Antal, saying she did an incredible job supporting his wife and their whole family during her three-day stay at the hospital. He wrote, “Tanya has shown us that she has a true dedication to her patients and her profession by being an incredible advocate and bringing such a positive attitude to every interaction.”
Accompanied by members of the DAISY committee and RUSH Copley’s administrative team, Chief Nursing Officer Abby Hornbogen announced the award in a surprise presentation on the unit. Moved to tears as she accepted the award, Antal said, “I am shocked. I am thankful. There are so many deserving people in this hospital — thank you. I genuinely love what I do.”
Antal received a certificate, a DAISY pin, a hand-crafted sculpture called “The Healer’s Touch” that represents the bond between nurses and their patients, and cinnamon rolls to celebrate and share with her team.
Cinnamon rolls are a significant part of the DAISY celebration. They signify that nursing is a team sport and all team members deserve recognition. In addition, the cinnamon aroma serves as a reminder to nurses of the positive difference they make in the lives of patients and their families.
Nurses who provide extraordinary care can be nominated for the DAISY Award by patients, families and colleagues. To nominate a nurse at any RUSH hospital, complete the online form.
