Lauren Van Tress receives DAISY Award for exceptional patient and family care
Lauren Van Tress has been named the latest recipient of the prestigious DAISY Award, recognizing the extraordinary compassion, clinical excellence, and patient-centered care she provides to patients and their families.
Van Tress was nominated by the mother of a two-year-old child who was brought to the emergency department after a possible ingestion of blood pressure medication. What began as one of the most frightening nights of the family's life quickly became a powerful example of the comfort and reassurance a compassionate nurse can provide.
According to the nomination, Lauren immediately helped ease the mother's fears, reassuring her that accidents happen, that she had done the right thing by seeking care, and that her son was exactly where he needed to be. Throughout the experience, Lauren remained a constant source of support for both the child and his mother.
The nominator shared that Lauren never left their side and quickly formed a connection with a toddler who is typically wary of strangers. Despite the uncertainty of the situation, she found ways to make him smile and stay comfortable. Lauren's creativity and dedication were also evident as she mixed an unpleasant medication with chocolate milk to help the child take the treatment he needed during a critical time.
Beyond her clinical skills, Van Tress was recognized for the compassion and kindness she showed throughout the ordeal. Her calming presence helped transform a terrifying experience into one that left a lasting impression of support and exceptional care.
"There are not enough words to express my gratitude for Lauren and all of the nurses that night," the nominator wrote. "I will never forget the care and compassion they showed during one of the most frightening moments of my life."
Through her empathy, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to her patients and their families, Van Tress exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the DAISY Award and the mission of Blessing Health System.
About the DAISY Award
The DAISY Award recognizes nurses and nurse-led teams who go above and beyond to provide compassionate care and improve the experience and outcomes of patients and families. Recipients exemplify collaboration, clinical excellence, and a commitment to meeting patient and family needs in extraordinary ways.