Matt Ryan, RN, Honored with DAISY Award

A nurse at Parkwest Medical Center was honored this morning 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.

Matt Ryan smiling and holding his DAISY certificate
Matt Ryan, RN, is Parkwest’s most recent DAISY award recipient.

Today The DAISY Award was presented to Matt Ryan, RN, from our orthopedic unit. 

Matt was nominated by Billy Jean Smith for the wonderful care Matt provided to her mother during her stay. Smith was on-hand to read her nomination, accompanied by her sister Connie. Here is the nomination that was submitted on Matt’s behalf:

“My mother, Mabel, came to your hospital after suffering a broken hip. She was 92 years old. She was sharp minded and had a wonderful wit about her that all of the nurses enjoyed … especially Matt. He was so respectful, attentive, great listener, kind, gentle, compassionate and yet very knowledgeable. He was always very slow to speak, always deep thinking before he spoke. My mother adored him!! He got to where he would banter with her and she always accepted the challenge. Mom loved all of her nurses but Matt just stood out among the many. What an outstanding professional for you to have on your staff!

BJ, Matt and Connie holding DAISY banner.
Matt is pictured with BJ (left) and Connie (right), who nominated him for The DAISY Award.

My sister and I say thank you Matt for ALL your loving care. The day mom was discharged we ALL cried as mom was taken to the nursing rehab for rehab. But … I’m afraid after that, it was downhill from there. My dear mother had a stroke on Feb. 6, 2020. Because she had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance they vented her so my sister and I had to make the hard decision to remove it 4 days later.

She breathed on her own for 6 hours and then smiled the most beautiful smile we’ve ever seen and then went to be with the Lord. It was wonderful and so much like my mom would have wanted it. Her only complaint would have been “why am I not at Parkwest, and where is Matt?”

Matt pictured with DAISY committee.
Matt pictured with his nominees and The DAISY committee.

Anyhow, that’s our story of a truly wonderful and pleasant experience. It’s been hard to give her up but just so thankful for ALL of you – Matt, Barbara, Olivia, Big Strong Nick, and can’t remember the charge nurse’s name. Thank you for your kindness to the most wonderful woman who ever lived … my mom!”

The DAISY Committee presented Matt with a pin, a certificate, daisies, The Healer’s Touch sculpture, and cinnamon rolls for his entire department to share. Congratulations to Matt! 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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