MercyOne Newton names 2020 DAISY winner

Nicole Figieroa, registered nurse in the Emergency Department at MercyOne Newton Medical Center, was recognized for her compassion and loving care during the organization’s DAISY Award ceremony on May 6, which was held via computer to allow for social distancing.

The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses was presented to Figieroa following two nominations from coworkers. Both submissions were related to the same incident, when a distressed pediatric patient was in the emergency department, struggling and attempting self-harm.

“He fell to the floor, screaming and crying,” wrote colleague Jennifer Tibben, “Another nurse and an ED physician tried to get him to go to an exam room, but he refused and was getting more upset. Nicole took a basket of little toys into the lobby and sat on the floor by him. She introduced herself, spoke gently, and began showing him the toys. She connected with him, showing care, compassion and kindness.”

Fellow nurse Velma Hernandez was equally moved by the incident, writing, “She soon had the child’s full attention. With the compassion and love she showed toward the child, she was able to walk him into an exam room and he [didn’t end up needing sedative] medications during his stay.”

“Patients need to be heard, and to receive compassion and kindness,” Tibben concluded. “That is what Nicole brings to MercyOne Newton patients and employees, and to our community. I am proud to call her my co-worker and my friend.”

Figieroa was one of six nurses at MercyOne Newton to be nominated for the year’s DAISY award. The other nurses recognized during the ceremony were Katie Daugherty (nominated twice), Marianne Decker, Nancy Maher, Sara Nunez and Olivia Ringgenberg.

Figieroa did not know she’d been selected until the ceremony was taking place. “I’m humbled, that’s what I am,” she said. “I love my team. I truly enjoy working here.”

MercyOne Newton President Laurie Conner, who led the ceremony, concluded the event by saying, “I’d like to thank all of the recipients, along with all of those who have chosen the calling of nursing to serve others. May everyone always remember a nurse who was special to us.”

The DAISY Award, presented in collaboration with The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), is part of the DAISY Foundation’s program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Nomination forms are available throughout MercyOne Newton, located at 204 N. 4th Ave. E., Newton. They also can be submitted online at https://www.mercyone.org/about-us/daisy-award.

The nominations are reviewed and award winners are selected on an annual basis by professional nursing representatives from various departments through the organization.