Drew Everhart honored with The DAISY Award

Drew EverhartA nurse at Parkwest Medical Center was honored yesterday with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The DAISY Award was established in 1999 by the family of a patient who had received extraordinary care and compassion from his nurses during his final days. Parkwest has two honorees for August. The first to be honored was Drew Everhart, RN, from our Float Pool. The second honoree will be presented on Monday.

Drew was nominated by a patient’s daughter, Mindy McNaugher. Here’s what she had to say about Drew: “I feel compelled to write to you concerning my Dad’s recent stay in your Critical Care Department, and ultimately his passing on your palliative care floor. My dad is from Pittsburgh, and had been fighting Myelodysplastic Syndrome for some time, but had permission to travel to Knoxville for a grandson’s wedding. While there, Dad became critically ill and was brought to Parkwest.

My Dad’s immune system was so compromised from his cancer that ultimately he could not overcome his double pneumonia. We had two nurses that went so far beyond their “duties” in their care of my Dad, and their compassion and heart for us, his family, that I felt the need to thank them both by bringing them to your attention.

You have two phenomenal “angels” on your staff! Drew Everhart blessed my Dad and my family in the ICU. I don’t have adequate words to express how much his care, compassion and skills meant to my Dad and family. He is truly a gift to his patients and to your hospital. 

When it became apparent that Dad was not going to be able to come back from this health crisis to due to his MDS and almost non-existent immune system the kindness, guidance and sensitivity we received from Drew was immeasurable!

Living in Pittsburg, we have many great hospitals, doctors and nurses, but my heart has NEVER been touched by two such extraordinary people/nurses. I have never felt compelled to write about any specific nurse in all of my Dad’s hospitalizations. You have two very special treasures there at Parkwest. Drew will forever hold a special place in my heart, and in the heart of my family. We were so blessed to have had these two special individuals care for my Dad, and be by our side through and extremely difficult and emotional time.”

The DAISY Committee presented Drew with a pin, a certificate, daisies, The Healer’s Touch sculpture, and cinnamon rolls for her entire department to share. Congratulations to Drew! We appreciate his passion for nursing, and his commitment to always putting his patients first!

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues, and they are chosen by a committee at Parkwest Medical Center to receive The DAISY Award. To nominate a nurse today visit here.

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