Submitted photo Erin Wamsley (third from left), RN, is the first-ever recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center. Also pictured, from left: Michael Galloway, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Vandalia Health Cancer Center; Duane Boyce, Cancer Center Director/Medical Dosimetrist, Vandalia Health Cancer Center; and Diana Landsverk, RN, BSN, MBA, Chief Nursing Officer for Davis Medical Center and Davis Health System.

ELKINS — Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center proudly announces Erin Wamsley, RN, as its first-ever recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

The DAISY Award, created in memory of J. Patrick Barnes, is awarded to nurses who consistently demonstrate exceptional clinical expertise and kindness, making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families. Wamsley, who serves in the Vandalia Health Cancer Center at Davis Medical Center, was nominated by her colleague, Michael Galloway, MD, Radiation Oncologist, Vandalia Health Cancer Center.

“In my time as a radiation oncologist over the past 30 years, I have rarely had the pleasure of working with such a dedicated, polite radiation oncology nurse who voluntarily assumes the role of so many needed positions in the cancer center,” Galloway shared. “These include simply being a compassionate nurse, social worker, patient navigator, scheduler and coordinator of care.”

“Erin’s recognition is a testament not only to her excellence in patient care, but also to the compassionate nursing culture at Davis Medical Center,” said Diana Landsverk, RN, BSN, MBA, Chief Nursing Officer for Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center and Davis Health System.

“We are proud to bring the DAISY Award tradition to our hospitals and honor the nurses who make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families every single day.”

Wamsley was recognized during a ceremony at the hospital, surrounded by co-workers, family members and leaders from across the medical center. She received a certificate of recognition, a hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture, and a batch of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls to share with her department — a traditional part of the DAISY celebration. Her mother attended the event and shared a special connection, as Erin’s brother recently received the same honor at the hospital where he works.

Vandalia Health Davis hospitals recently launched the DAISY Award program to honor nurses who provide exceptional, compassionate care to their patients. With this initiative, all hospitals within Vandalia Health now participate in the DAISY Award program — uniting nurses across the system in celebration of extraordinary clinical skill and human connection. Upcoming DAISY Awards will honor nurses at Vandalia Health Broaddus Hospital and Vandalia Health Webster Memorial Hospital.

“Bringing the DAISY Award to all of our Vandalia Health hospitals reflects our deep commitment to recognizing the heart of patient care — our nurses,” said Ron Andro, Chief Administrative Officer, Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center, and Senior Vice President, Davis Health System.

“Across our communities, nurses serve with compassion, skill and integrity, often during patients’ most vulnerable moments. This program allows us to celebrate their impact and remind them how much they are valued by our patients, their families and our entire organization.”

For more information or to nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award at Davis Medical Center, Broaddus Hospital or Webster Memorial Hospital, visit DavisHealthSystem.org.