Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD), a member of Dartmouth Health, has honored Laura J. Williams, MEd, RN, CEN, an Emergency Department (ED) nurse, with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses®, recognizing her exceptional care and compassion for patients and their families.
Presented quarterly, the DAISY Award celebrates nurses whose clinical expertise and compassion make a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients. Laura’s nominators praised her for the reassurance, professionalism, and kindness she brings to every interaction, especially during moments of fear and uncertainty in the Emergency Department.
Patients described the impact Laura had on their care experience.
One patient shared, “I came into the ER with chest pain, and Laura calmed me down with her warm smile and caring personality. She took care of me and gave me confidence. You rock, Laura! P.S. And she was once a Peace Corps volunteer in Suriname, too!”
Another patient reflected on the comfort Laura provided during a stressful visit: “I had an ER visit on Dec. 7 for a high heart rate. I am very anxious about going to the hospital emergency room, but her care was excellent and she went above and beyond to help me feel safe and cared for. In addition to her medical expertise, she helped me be more comfortable and calm in an otherwise uncomfortable situation. Please pass along my thanks to her, and thank you for employing such a fine nurse.”
Another patient described the sense of calm Laura brings to those in her care: “I have been to the APD ED twice since July 2020, both times with cellulitis after surgery for cancer and cellulitis from lymphedema. Both times I was immediately struck by her calm kindness, her knowledge, and her ability to get a LOT done without seeming hurried. Most of all though, she has a true ability to connect, even through a patient’s pain and anxiety, and that resulted in such a calming force for me. The most powerful thing I can say is that when I saw she was going to be my nurse this time, I immediately felt calmer. She inspires a huge amount of trust and confidence. I feel incredibly lucky to have been in her care.”
The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by members of his family. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little-known but not uncommon autoimmune disease. (DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System.) The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.
About Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital (APD)
Known for highly personalized and high-quality care, APD is the community hospital of the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Founded in 1932 and a member of Dartmouth Health since 2016, APD’s areas of clinical excellence include surgical services, primary care, geriatric care, orthopaedics, and emergency services. The APD campus is also home to a senior living community with assisted and independent living facilities. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.